The price of onions in Nigeria has surged dramatically, with the cost of a small-sized bulb now ranging between ₦200 and ₦300 in various markets, ahead of the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.
A recent market survey conducted by news reporters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, revealed that the price hike in onions has been particularly noticeable in the Dutse and Kubwa village markets. On December 17, 2024, a single small-sized onion was priced at ₦300, reflecting an alarming 200% increase compared to ₦100 in the same period last month.
Large-sized onions have also seen a sharp rise, with prices escalating from ₦300 to ₦500 per bulb.
In addition, the price of a dustbin basket filled with onions has risen dramatically, reaching ₦250,000, up from a previous range of ₦170,000 to ₦192,000. This increase marks a significant surge in onion prices as Nigeria heads into the festive season, known for heightened demand for food items.
Abdullahi Yakubu, a vendor at the Dutse First Gate Market, explained that such price hikes are not unusual during the weeks leading up to the holidays, although this year’s increase has been particularly steep. He said, “It’s not unusual, though this time the hike has been prolonged. Last month, we bought a bag of onions for between ₦170,000 and ₦192,000. Now, it is over ₦250,000.”
Deborah Okoli, another concerned shopper, expressed frustration over the soaring costs, noting that the sharp rise in prices is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians. “You can imagine, a small onion that used to cost ₦50 to ₦100 is now ₦300; this is ridiculous,” she said, highlighting the impact of the inflationary pressure on the average consumer.
This surge in onion prices coincides with the broader economic challenges Nigeria is facing, as the country’s headline inflation rate has climbed to 34.60% from 39.19% in the previous month. Similarly, food inflation has increased to 39.93%, exacerbating the already difficult financial situation for many households.
The significant price increase of onions, a staple in Nigerian kitchens, has sparked widespread concern about food accessibility and affordability. The rising costs are expected to put additional strain on families already grappling with high living expenses during the festive season, further intensifying the economic challenges for ordinary Nigerians.
