Lagos Onion Prices Skyrocket Over 200% Amid Shortages

Onion prices in Lagos have increased dramatically, with a paint bucket now selling for ₦10,000, a rise from ₦3,000 in May, marking an increase of approximately 233% in four months. Traders report that a bag of onions now costs between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000, compared to ₦50,000 to ₦70,000 previously.

The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association (NOPPMAN) attributes the supply shortage to flooding in key producing states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, and Adamawa, which has damaged farms and reduced availability. Additionally, rising seed costs and increased transportation expenses, now around ₦30,000 per bag, have compounded the issue.

Ibrahim Idris, an onion wholesaler at Oyingbo Market, noted that supplies from northern Nigeria have declined, further driving up prices. The price increases are impacting household budgets and businesses reliant on onions, with smaller bags also seeing significant price hikes.