Food prices surge at Potiskum grains market
Story from Kasim Isa Muhammad
Residents and traders in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State are currently grappling with rising food prices as the cost of major staple items continues to fluctuate in the town’s popular grains market.
A market survey conducted on Sunday, 25th May 2025, revealed significant changes in the prices of various foodstuffs, with some items experiencing sharp increases compared to previous weeks.
According to traders at the Hatsi (Grains) Market, a 100kg bag of maize is now selling for between ₦53,000 and ₦54,000, while millet ranges from ₦55,000 to ₦57,000. A short-load of guinea corn, locally known as “dawa ɗan lodi,” now sells between ₦40,000 and ₦41,000. The more preferred Kaura variety of guinea corn is priced higher, ranging from ₦45,000 to ₦47,000.
The price of legumes has also surged significantly. White beans, popularly known as “Misra,” now cost between ₦88,000 and ₦93,000 per bag. The larger-sized variety of white beans is selling at ₦85,000 to ₦92,000. Red beans, which are in high demand, are the most expensive among the legumes, with prices ranging between ₦95,000 and ₦97,000.
READ ALSO: Yobe markets record soaring prices of essential food items
Other staple items like zobo flower (hibiscus) and baobab (ya kuwa) are currently sold for ₦20,000 to ₦21,000. A bag of guna, a sorghum-based product, ranges from ₦28,000 to ₦35,000, depending on the quality. The price of rice has risen sharply to ₦125,000, making it even more unaffordable for low-income families.
Groundnut prices remain consistently high, with a 100kg bag selling between ₦130,000 and ₦135,000. Bambara, a processed maize product, is also becoming scarce and expensive, with prices now ranging from ₦170,000 to ₦175,000. Premium guna sells at ₦33,000 to ₦35,000, while Aƙwaro, a type of small grain millet, is priced at ₦25,000 to ₦27,000.
Other notable items include a local rice known as “Shansheran,” although its exact price remains unspecified at the time of reporting. Aƙwaro ɗan Ngalda, a unique millet variety from Ngalda region, now costs between ₦21,000 and ₦23,000. Similarly, a special type of guinea corn known as Dawa Wala Wuyo is being sold at ₦43,000 to ₦44,000.
Many traders attribute the persistent hike in prices to a combination of factors including increasing transportation costs, widespread insecurity affecting farming communities, and the rising cost of living due to inflation. They also pointed out that the lack of government support in agricultural production is worsening the situation.
Local residents have expressed concern over the impact of these high prices on their daily lives. As the rainy season approaches and food demand increases, many households fear they may not be able to afford basic meals.
There are growing calls for government intervention to subsidise farm inputs, improve security in rural areas, and support farmers in order to bring stability to the local food market.
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