Food Inflation Rises Over 20% in 11 States

Food inflation remained above 20% in 11 Nigerian states during April 2026, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The national food inflation rate climbed to 16.06% on a year-on-year basis, surpassing the headline inflation rate of 15.69% for the first time in eight months.

Enugu recorded the highest food inflation rate at 32.7%, followed by Kwara at 30.8% and Adamawa at 30.1%. Other states with food inflation above 20% included Rivers at 26.8%, Delta at 23.9%, Bauchi at 23.7%, Edo at 23.0%, Zamfara at 22.0%, Gombe at 21.6%, Anambra at 20.8%, and Benue at 20.1%.

The NBS attributed the sustained price increases to rising average prices of essential staples including millet whole grain, yam flour, fresh ginger, beef, garri, yam tubers, fresh pepper, crayfish, cassava tubers, beans, Irish potatoes, and fresh tomatoes. Wheat grain, soybeans, guinea corn, plantain, and fresh carrots also contributed to the inflationary pressures.

On a month-on-month basis, Niger recorded the highest increase at 8.53%, followed by Bauchi at 6.78% and Kogi at 6.72%. In contrast, Kebbi recorded the slowest monthly rise at 0.23%, while Katsina and Bayelsa posted declines of 0.47% and 1.29% respectively.

Rural food inflation remained higher than urban areas at 16.36% compared to 15.40%, reflecting deeper supply chain challenges and weaker market access in rural communities. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network has warned that between 16 and 17 million Nigerians could require urgent food assistance by November 2026.

Economist Muda Yusuf noted that structural issues continue to fuel inflation. “The dominant drivers continue to be food, transportation, energy, healthcare, and restaurant services,” he said, cautioning that demand factors are not the primary cause of rising prices.