How Much is a Bag of Maize (Corn) in Nigeria?

The price of a bag of maize (corn) in Nigeria is a vital indicator for farmers, traders, consumers, and policymakers, reflecting the nation’s agricultural health and economic conditions. As of April 7, 2025, maize—known locally as “corn”—remains a staple crop, widely consumed as roasted or boiled cobs, processed into flour for dishes like pap (akamu) and tuwo, or used as poultry feed. We provide a comprehensive overview of the current cost of a standard 100kg bag of maize across Nigeria, detailing regional variations, influencing factors, historical trends, and practical implications for stakeholders in 2025.

Current Price of a Bag of Maize (corn): April 7, 2025

As of April 7, 2025, at 06:34 AM PDT (2:34 PM WAT, Nigeria’s local time), the average price of a 100kg bag of maize in Nigeria ranges between ₦58,000 and ₦65,000, based on the latest market data, X posts, and agricultural reports. This price varies by region, maize type (white or yellow), and market conditions. We break down the specifics:

• Lagos: ₦65,000–₦70,000—higher due to transport costs from northern production hubs and urban demand.
• Abuja: ₦62,000–₦67,000—elevated by logistics and central location expenses.
• Kaduna: ₦58,000–₦60,000—cheaper as a northern production center with high supply.
• Kano: ₦57,000–₦60,000—among the lowest, reflecting proximity to farms and bulk availability.
• Enugu: ₦63,000–₦68,000—southern rates include transport premiums from the North.
• Yellow Maize: Typically ₦2,000–₦5,000 more per bag (e.g., ₦60,000–₦65,000 in Kano), due to its nutritional value and demand for animal feed.

At the parallel market exchange rate of ₦1,665/USD, a ₦61,500 average translates to roughly $37 USD per 100kg bag, or $0.37 per kg. These figures align with posts on X from early April 2025, indicating stability post-harvest season.

Regional Price Variations

The cost of a 100kg bag of maize fluctuates across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, driven by production proximity, transport costs, and local demand. We detail current averages:

• North-West (e.g., Kano, Kaduna): ₦57,000–₦60,000—lowest, as the maize belt produces over 60% of Nigeria’s supply.
• North-East (e.g., Bauchi, Gombe): ₦59,000–₦62,000—slightly higher due to insecurity and logistics challenges.
• North-Central (e.g., Benue, Niger): ₦58,000–₦61,000—competitive, with Benue as a key producer.
• South-West (e.g., Lagos, Ogun): ₦65,000–₦70,000—highest, reflecting transport from the North and urban consumption.
• South-East (e.g., Enugu, Anambra): ₦63,000–₦68,000—elevated by distance from production zones.
• South-South (e.g., Port Harcourt): ₦64,000–₦69,000—similar to southern peers, with oil region demand adding pressure.

Northern states benefit from lower prices due to abundant harvests, while southern regions pay a ₦5,000–₦10,000 transport premium.

Factors Influencing Maize (corn) Prices

The price of a bag of maize in Nigeria is shaped by a blend of agricultural, economic, and logistical factors. We explore the key drivers:

1. Seasonal Supply

Maize prices drop during the main harvest season (July–October) due to oversupply, often falling to ₦50,000–₦55,000 per bag. Post-harvest, as stocks dwindle (April–June), prices rise to ₦65,000+, per 2025 trends on X and market analyses.

2. Naira Exchange Rate

With the naira at ₦1,665/USD, imported inputs like fertilizers (₦30,000–₦35,000 per bag) and occasional maize imports inflate production costs, pushing retail prices up by 10–15% since January 2025.

3. Production Levels

Nigeria produces 12–15 million tonnes annually (FAO estimates), with northern states like Kano and Kaduna leading. Droughts or pests (e.g., fall armyworm) can cut yields by 20%, raising prices, though 2024’s harvest was robust.

4. Transport Costs

Moving maize from northern farms to southern markets costs ₦50–₦100 per bag per 100km, per industry estimates, adding ₦5,000–₦8,000 to southern prices versus northern farmgate rates (₦55,000–₦58,000).

5. Demand Dynamics

Poultry feed (over 50% of maize use) and human consumption drive demand. A 400% rise in feed costs since 2020 (Daily Trust, 2023) sustains pressure, with yellow maize fetching a premium for its protein content.

Historical Price Trends

The cost of a 100kg bag of maize has soared over the years, reflecting inflation and currency devaluation. We trace its evolution:

• 2020: ₦15,000–₦17,000—stable pre-COVID rates (Opera News, 2020).
• 2022: ₦35,000–₦40,000—doubled amid global shocks and naira floatation.
• 2023: ₦60,000—up 71% from 2022, per X posts (Waspapping_, October 2023).
• 2024: ₦55,000–₦60,000—post-harvest dip from a ₦70,000 peak (BetaSales, 2024).
• 2025: ₦58,000–₦65,000—a 286% increase from 2020, moderated by supply stability.

This trajectory underscores maize’s sensitivity to economic and seasonal shifts.

Practical Value of a Bag of Maize

What does ₦58,000–₦65,000 for a 100kg bag buy in Nigeria today? We assess its worth:

• Feed: Produces 80–90kg of poultry feed, covering 2–3 weeks for a small farm at ₦10,000–₦12,000 post-processing.
• Food: Yields 200–250 servings of pap or tuwo, feeding a family of five for 1–2 months.
• Resale: Traders sell per kg at ₦650–₦700, netting ₦65,000–₦70,000 per bag, a ₦5,000–₦10,000 profit.

At ₦615 per kg, it’s a cost-effective staple versus rice (₦1,720/kg, Nairametrics, April 2025).

Where to Buy a Bag of Maize

Economic and Agricultural Impact

The ₦58,000–₦65,000 price shapes Nigeria’s economy:

• Farmers: A northern farmer with 1,000 bags earns ₦58M–₦65M (X, @PAULKATO2, April 2025), supporting rural livelihoods.
• Poultry: Feed costs rise, with a 25kg bag now ₦10,000+, up 400% since 2020 (Daily Trust, 2023).
• Households: A staple for 70 million northerners, price hikes strain budgets amid ₦70,000 minimum wage.

Tips for Buying Maize

Maximize value with these strategies:

• Buy Post-Harvest: July–October offers ₦50,000–₦55,000 per bag.
• Negotiate: Bargain down ₦2,000–₦5,000 in northern markets.
• Bulk Purchase: Secure ₦55,000–₦57,000 per bag for 10+ bags from farmers.
• Store: Stockpile at harvest to sell at ₦65,000+ in dry season (X, @GassaMunga, April 2025).

Future Price Outlook

By Q3 2025, prices may rise to ₦70,000–₦75,000 if the naira weakens to ₦1,700/USD or drought cuts yields. A bumper harvest or government intervention (e.g., fertilizer subsidies) could stabilize rates at ₦55,000–₦60,000.

Read also: How Much is a Bag of Foreign Rice in Nigeria? Current Prices for 2025

Why Maize Prices Matter

A 100kg bag of maize at ₦58,000–₦65,000 fuels Nigeria’s food security, supports farmers, and drives agro-industry. Its cost reflects broader economic trends, making it a barometer for affordability and agricultural policy.

Read also: How Much is a Bag of Beans in Nigeria? 2025 Price

Conclusion

The price of a bag of maize in Nigeria on April 7, 2025, ranges from ₦58,000 to ₦65,000, with northern hubs like Kano at ₦57,000 and southern cities like Lagos at ₦70,000. Shaped by seasonality, transport, and demand, this staple’s cost impacts millions. Whether you’re a farmer, trader, or consumer, understanding these dynamics ensures informed decisions in Nigeria’s vibrant maize market.