Food prices surge in Lagos as Christmas demand overwhelms supply

December has once again tightened the grip on household budgets in Lagos, as food prices climbed sharply across the city’s major markets. What usually begins as festive excitement has increasingly turned into price shock, with many staples becoming noticeably more expensive as the month progressed.

Across Lagos, traders say demand surged faster than supply could respond. Families stocking up for Christmas, food vendors preparing for increased sales, and bulk buyers returning to markets all at once created intense pressure on already stretched supply chains. The result was a broad rise in prices that erased the brief easing many consumers noticed in November.

Market observations show that most food items moved upward in price in December. Fresh produce, grains, tubers, proteins, and cooking essentials all recorded increases, suggesting the surge was not limited to a single category. This pattern reflects a seasonal reality Lagos consumers know too well: December demand often overpowers improvements from harvest cycles or temporary cost relief elsewhere in the economy.

While national inflation figures showed some moderation heading into the end of the year, December’s market behavior tells a different story at the retail level. Food inflation may appear to slow on paper, but festive buying tends to reintroduce volatility, especially in dense urban markets where supply disruptions are felt immediately.

When celebration collides with scarcity

Some of the steepest increases were seen in items central to Nigerian cooking. Pepper prices jumped dramatically as fewer trucks arrived from the North and spoilage risks increased during long-distance transport. Tomatoes, beans, garri, and yam also became more expensive as buyers rushed back into markets after delaying purchases earlier in the season.

Protein sources followed the same path. Chicken, turkey, and frozen fish all recorded higher prices, driven by rising feed costs, cold storage expenses, and transportation charges. Fish sellers point to weak supply from coastal hubs combined with high diesel costs as a major contributor to December’s spike.

Not every item moved upward. A smaller group of processed foods and selected staples saw modest price declines, largely due to manufacturer-led pricing strategies aimed at attracting holiday shoppers. Flour brands, beverages, and some packaged goods were among those that softened slightly, offering limited relief in an otherwise expensive market.

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For shoppers, the festive season has become less about abundance and more about careful choices. Many buyers now prioritize essentials, reduce quantities, or substitute items altogether. Traders, on the other hand, admit that some stock is deliberately held back, with sellers betting on further price increases as Christmas and New Year celebrations peak.

The overall picture is clear. December 2025 has reinforced how exposed Lagos food markets remain to seasonal pressure. Until transport costs stabilize and supply flows improve consistently, festive demand will likely continue to turn celebration into a costly affair for households across the city.