Balanced food consumption is one of the most important determinants of human health. Trace elements are a class of micronutrients that are needed for biochemical and physiological activities in very small quantities (less than 100 mg/day).  They could, however, be deleterious to human health when present at either excessive or deficient concentrations within the body. The concentrations of five trace metals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cr) in seven commonly consumed cereal grains from four major markets in Minna metropolis, Niger state, Nigeria were examined in this study. A total of 28 composite samples were made from 140 purchased cereal samples and analysed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) after wet acid digestion with Aqua Regia acid mixture. The result showed a wide variation in trace metal concentrations, with Cr not being detected in 6 of the samples. Fe (66.96±48.52 mg/kg) had the highest overall mean concentration, while Cr (1.14±2.12 mg/kg) had the lowest, with the overall individual mean metal concentrations in the order: Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr. The levels (mg/kg) of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Cr in the seven cereal foods ranged 2.18–25.03, 1.30–5.18, 12.53–207.25, 1.58–38.33, and ND–9.95, respectively. Recovery values were within the range of 95–110%. Positive correlations were observed between Zn/Cu (0.797), Fe/Cr (0.671), Cu/Mn (0.659) and Zn/Mn (0.538). The Principal component analysis (PCA) Biplot analysis identified useful cereal foods for managing mineral deficiency diseases. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) revealed closely substitutable pairs of cereals based on their trace metal contents. Except for only 4 of the analysed samples that had Cr with values above recommended standards, all the other studied metals in the 28 composite cereals had concentration values below the acceptable limits of FAO/WHO in foods, suggesting their relative safety for the consumption. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in Nigeria's food safety and public health. Adequate periodic monitoring and implementation of necessary measures to regulate and curb excessive intake of trace metals by consumers is recommended. Such periodic studies should incorporate more foodstuffs, more food groups, and more trace / major elements to promptly ascertain their wholesomeness and safety for consumers.