Residents of Lagos are expressing deep concerns over the continued increase in the price of beans, their major source of protein.
The price of beans has risen significantly since 2024, making it unaffordable for many. A 40kg bag of beans, which sold for N26,000 in January, now costs N115,000. Similarly, a 100kg bag, previously priced at N55,000, has soared to N230,000. This surge has placed a staple food beyond the reach of many Lagos residents.
Housewife and mother of four, Mrs. Uloma Chigozirim, expressed her worries about the impact on children’s nutrition. “Beans used to be the cheapest food; now, we do not even understand what is going on. Every other week, the price keeps going up,” she said. Chigozirim urged the government to intervene, fearing malnutrition among many families.
Uche Ikenga, a beans farmer in Abuja, hinted at a possible reason for the price hike. He explained that the peak period for beans harvest is usually at the end of the year. However, last year, many farmers lost their harvests due to cattle foraging. “The produce is scarce and expensive this year because the harvest last year was low,” Ikenga said.
Beans trader Ahmed Yusuf, at the Dry Foodstuff Section of Ile-Epo Market in Agege, shared his concerns about the future availability of beans. “We sold a small bucket of beans for N6,500 two weeks ago; now it sells for N8,000,” Yusuf said. He highlighted the unpredictability of prices and the high demand for beans, coupled with insufficient supply from farmers.
Jewelry seller Bunmi Arowolo called for the intervention of both federal and Lagos State governments. “Early in May, I bought a small bucket of beans for N7,500, as against N3,000 previously. I want to appeal to the governments to tackle insecurity so that farmers can return to their farms and make the produce available and affordable,” Arowolo said.
Ms. Adaeze Oparaku, a nutritionist at the Lagos Teaching Hospital (LUTH), emphasized the importance of beans in Nigerians’ diets. “Beans are an essential source of protein, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. Given the rise in the price, it can be substituted with other protein sources in children’s meals,” she said.
Trader Eugenia Uloma at Kotangora Market in Abule-Egba highlighted the significance of beans in the Nigerian diet. “Other protein sources are even more expensive. We need the government to address this growing food inflation,” Uloma said.
Vegetable farmer Barinedum Legbara called for adequate planning to increase local production of beans. “We need adequate planning for the strategic cultivation of beans to avoid this scarcity and hike. Farmers should be empowered to cultivate crops for food security,” Legbara said.
The rising cost of beans in Lagos is causing widespread concern among residents, traders, and farmers. There is a growing call for government intervention to address the issue and ensure that this staple food remains affordable. Strategic planning and support for local farmers are essential to prevent future shortages and price hikes.
