The Cowpea and Beans Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (C\&BFPMAN) has attributed the recent drop in the price of beans to bumper harvests across the country.
The president of C\&BFPMAN and several traders disclosed the reasons for the price decline in separate interviews with journalists on Sunday in Lagos.
In the second and third quarters of 2024, the price of beans soared to between ₦210,000 and ₦240,000 per 100kg bag, compared to ₦90,000 in 2023.
However, from the first quarter of 2025, the price of the produce began to decline steadily.
A 100kg bag now sells for between ₦80,000 and ₦120,000, depending on the species.
Kabir Shuaibu, president of C\&BFPMAN, said the increase in harvest yields is the major reason for the price drop.
“We harvested over 10 times what we usually harvested in past years. The main reason for the drop in price is the increase in output from our cultivation. This implies that with increased supply, prices will fall.
“The hike in the price of beans last year was due to poor harvests in the preceding year.
“What we experienced last year was unprecedented in the sector in the past 10 years. We hope it doesn’t happen again,” Mr. Shuaibu said.
He further explained that during the most recent harvest, a hectare of land yielded triple its usual output of 10,000 bags, resulting in the current price crash.
“Currently, a bag of beans up north costs between ₦80,000 and ₦120,000, depending on the species. Around this time last year, due to poor harvests, the same bag sold for between ₦210,000 and ₦240,000,” he added.
Esther Umeileka, a wholesaler, attributed the price drop to increased yields and a reduction in pest infestations, which were prevalent the previous year.
“Last year, insect and weevil infestations affected the produce. This year, we have more pest-free harvests, which has contributed to the price drop. We’ve also adapted to government policies,” Ms. Umeileka said.
She added that the high yields from this year’s harvests have significantly driven down prices.
Another trader at the Oyingbo Market in Lagos, Zainab Ahmed, said consumer patronage has increased following the price reduction.
“Everyone seems able to afford beans again. A paint bucket now sells for ₦6,000 to ₦7,000, compared to ₦13,000 to ₦14,000 last year,” Ms. Ahmed said.
Tonia Sanwo, a consumer, expressed joy over the price drop, calling beans an essential staple in her household.
“We never imagined the price of beans would drop so significantly from what we saw last year,” Ms. Sanwo said.
Also speaking, Favour Braye, a civil servant, confirmed the decline in prices and credited improved access to farmlands for the higher yields.
“With better access to farms, yields have increased, and prices have dropped. We’re all happy. More people can now afford beans, which is a common staple in Nigerian homes,” Ms. Braye said.
NAN
