The retail price of a 50kg bag of rice across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones recorded noticeable differences in the first week of May 2026, with consumers in the North-Central region paying the least, while prices remained highest in parts of the South-South and South-East.
A market survey by Nairametrics� showed that the cost of a 50kg bag of rice now ranges from about N53,000 to N82,000 depending on location, transportation expenses, supply conditions, and regional demand.
The survey tracked major rice brands including Big Bull, BUA Foods Rice, and Royal Stallion. Findings indicate that rice prices have gradually stabilized in several markets due to improved local supply and a more stable foreign exchange market.
In Abuja, representing the North-Central zone, a 50kg bag of rice currently sells between N53,000 and N55,500, making it the cheapest market among the regions surveyed. This reflects a major decline compared to May 2025, when imported rice sold for between N80,000 and N85,000. Traders linked the drop to easier access from rice-producing states such as Niger State, Benue State, and Kogi State, alongside better transportation and increased availability of locally milled rice.
In Lagos, prices range between N55,000 and N65,000 depending on the brand and market location. Compared to 2025, when prices ranged from N55,000 to N75,000, the upper price limit has reduced significantly. Traders at major hubs like Mile 12 Market attributed the stability to stronger competition among distributors and improved supply from local millers.
In the North-West, buyers in Kaduna currently pay around N60,000 for a 50kg bag of rice, supported by steady supply from nearby farming areas. Similarly, in the North-East, markets in Bauchi recorded prices between N60,000 and N61,500 despite ongoing transportation and security challenges affecting distribution.
Prices remain significantly higher in southern Nigeria. In Rivers State, especially in Port Harcourt, rice prices range from N75,000 to N82,000 for premium brands, among the highest nationwide. Traders blamed the high costs on transportation expenses, multiple distribution layers, and elevated operating costs.
In the South-East, markets in Imo State recorded prices as high as N78,000 in some retail outlets and premium markets, depending on brand quality and location.
Overall, the survey highlights a regional price gap of nearly N29,000 between the cheapest and most expensive rice markets in Nigeria. Although rice prices have eased compared to the spikes witnessed in 2024 and early 2025, regional disparities continue to reflect broader challenges such as poor transport infrastructure, insecurity, energy costs, and distance from major rice production and milling centres.
The growing availability of locally milled rice brands and improved exchange rate stability are, however, helping to ease pressure on food prices, raising hopes that staple food costs may continue to stabilize in the coming months.
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