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Crayfish sellers across many Lagos markets have blamed the high cost of the food item on scarcity and high transportation costs.
The high cost of crayfish has put pressure on household budgets and impacted traders‘ income.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), limited supply of crayfish from riverine communities in Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River, coupled with rising logistics costs, has kept prices high since 2025.
Crayfish traders in Oyingbo Market, a popular Lagos market, said the supply of the item has remained inconsistent for months, forcing many sellers to increase prices and reduce stock.
Busayo Oladimeji, a trader, said the irregular supply of crayfish from producing areas was affecting both availability and quality.
“Sometimes, the quantity we receive cannot even meet customer demand,” said Oladimeji.
“When supply is low, prices will definitely rise, and during the off-season, the crayfish is not usually as fresh as what we get during peak periods.”
She added that high transportation costs have worsened the situation. According to her, a paint bucket of crayfish now sells between N12,500 and N14,000, adding that prices can change at any point in time.
“The cost of moving goods from the South-South to Lagos has increased because of fuel and logistics challenges.
NAN revealed that a paint bucket of crayfish sold for between N4,000 and N5,000 in 2025 before rising sharply to between N12,500 and N14,000 in 2026.
A bag of crayfish, which previously sold for about N40,000, now sells for between N75,000 and N80,000, while a derica cup has increased from about N1,000 to as much as N4,000 in some markets
A wholesaler, Chukwudi Eze, blamed middlemen for the persistent rise in retail prices.
“Before the crayfish gets to us, it passes through several hands, and everybody adds profit. By the time it reaches the final consumer, the price becomes much higher,” he said.
Eze said fluctuating prices and fear of spoilage had also forced some traders to reduce the quantity they purchase.
A trader at Lawanson Market, Ebere Chiapko, said quality also played a major role in determining prices.
“I sell Oron crayfish, and a paint bucket goes for N16,500 because the quality is better. You cannot get original Oron crayfish for less than N15,000,” said Chiapko.
She warned buyers against traders using undersized paint buckets, popularly known as “magic buckets”, to shortchange customers.
Consumers said the continuous increase in crayfish prices is making meal planning more difficult.
An entrepreneur, Fumilayo Davies, said feeding expenses have become unpredictable.
“One week you buy crayfish, and the next week the price has gone up again. It is becoming difficult for families to properly plan their food budget,” she said.
Another consumer, Ebele Okafor, said she had resorted to bulk buying whenever prices dropped during the harvest season.
“When prices are lower, I buy in large quantities and store them in my freezer. That helps me manage whenever prices increase again,” she said.
Another consumer, Tiwatope Ariyo, said she has been forced to reduce her crayfish consumption due to the high cost.
“I now use it sparingly and combine it with other ingredients to make it last longer. But honestly, nothing gives food that same taste as crayfish,” said Ariyo.
