Lagos onion prices surge over 200 percent amid supply shortages

Onion prices in Lagos, Nigeria, have surged by over 200 percent, with a bag now costing between N150,000 and N250,000, up from N50,000 to N70,000 in May.

Traders and wholesalers attribute the sharp increase to several factors, including scarcity in northern production hubs like Sokoto due to the current planting season. Significant flooding in key producing states—including Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Adamawa—has also devastated onion farms and reduced supply.

Logistical challenges are further driving costs upward. The cargo charge for transporting a bag of onions has risen to N30,000, excluding additional transportation costs to Lagos. Additionally, higher fuel costs and the perishable nature of the produce contribute to market volatility. Consumers in Lagos have reported reducing their purchases in response to these rising costs.