The once-famous Lagos speciality, Agege bread, a beloved staple in many homes, is now struggling to maintain its foothold in the market as branded loaves continue to dominate bakery shelves across the country.
Experts cited improved packaging, perceived hygiene, longer shelf life, and aggressive marketing by major bakery brands. Many people now prefer sealed and branded bread, especially for health and safety reasons, said a local supermarket manager in Ikeja.
For decades, Agege bread was synonymous with affordability, freshness, and that irresistible aroma that filled the streets of Lagos every morning. However, the rise of branded bread with attractive packaging, standardised sizes, and marketing campaigns has drastically reduced the demand for the traditional loaf.
‘Many local bakers and sellers are beginning to feel the pinch. Sales are not what they used to be. People now prefer those branded breads in nylon wraps because they look cleaner and last longer,’ a bread seller in Agege, Mrs Kehinde Alaba, lamented.
However, some loyal customers and small vendors expressed concern over the decline. ‘Agege bread is part of our culture. It’s sad to see fewer people buying it,’ said Mama Sade, as local bakers are now urged to innovate by improving hygiene, branding, and expanding distribution to stay relevant in a changing market.
Despite the decline, some traditional bakers are not giving up. Many are exploring ways to rebrand and modernise production without losing the unique flavour that made Agege bread a Lagos favourite.
‘I used to buy Agege bread every day, but now I go for the packaged ones because they stay fresh longer and come in different flavours,’ a Lagos resident, Blessing, said.
Bakers of Agege bread, adding that, changing tastes and stiff competition from big companies are making it hard to keep customers.
Experts believe Agege bread can bounce back if bakers improve hygiene, add better packaging, and market it well to younger buyers who care about brand appeal.
The battle for Nigeria’s bread lovers is heating up, and Agege bread faces an uncertain future unless it adapts to changing tastes and market demand.
As the competition stiffens, one thing is clear: the golden age of Agege bread may be fading, but its legacy as a symbol of Lagos street food culture remains deeply baked into the city’s identity.
