The purchasing power of ₦50,000 continues to vary significantly across Nigeria’s major cities, with recent market prices showing that households in Kano can generally buy more food and cover more transportation costs than those in Lagos and Abuja.
A comparison of retail prices across the three cities highlights how differences in transportation costs, proximity to agricultural production and local market dynamics continue to shape the cost of living despite nationwide inflation.
In Lagos, where high logistics costs and commercial activity influence retail prices, a half-bag of locally produced rice (about 25 kilograms) currently sells for between ₦37,500 and ₦39,000. The same quantity costs between ₦36,000 and ₦38,000 in Abuja, while Kano records the lowest prices at between ₦32,500 and ₦34,000.
Fresh food prices also reflect notable regional differences. A week’s supply of vegetables and cooking spices costs an average of about ₦12,500 in Lagos markets, around ₦14,000 in Abuja and approximately ₦7,500 in Kano.
Cooking gas prices show smaller variations, with a 12.5-kilogram cylinder refill selling for between ₦16,000 and ₦17,500 in Lagos, ₦16,500 and ₦18,000 in Abuja, and between ₦15,000 and ₦16,000 in Kano.
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Transportation costs remain another major factor affecting household spending. Public transport users in Lagos are able to cover fewer days of daily commuting with ₦50,000 than residents of Abuja and Kano, reflecting the higher cost of intra-city transportation in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Economists say the price differences are largely driven by regional supply chains and distribution costs.
Kano benefits from its proximity to major agricultural production areas in northern Nigeria, allowing grains, tomatoes, onions and other farm produce to reach consumers at relatively lower prices. In contrast, Lagos relies heavily on produce transported over long distances, increasing logistics costs before goods reach retail markets.
Abuja, despite its central location, often experiences higher retail prices due to additional distribution and handling costs associated with supplying the Federal Capital Territory.
Analysts note that while national inflation continues to influence prices across the country, location remains a key factor in determining the real value of household income.
They add that regional disparities in purchasing power underscore the need for improvements in transportation infrastructure, agricultural value chains and food distribution systems to help reduce the cost of essential goods nationwide.
For many households, the figures illustrate a broader economic reality: although ₦50,000 remains an important monthly or weekly budget benchmark, what it can buy depends largely on where it is spent.