Food Inflation Surges Above 20% in 11 Nigerian States

As of April 2026, food inflation in Nigeria has risen above 20% in 11 states, marking a significant economic concern. The national food inflation rate stands at 16.06%, slightly higher than the headline inflation rate of 15.69%.

This development indicates renewed pressure on household purchasing power across the country. The last time food inflation exceeded headline inflation was in August 2025, when it reached 25.30%.

The states with the highest food inflation rates include Enugu at 32.67%, Kwara at 30.77%, and Adamawa at 30.14%. Other states with food inflation above 20% include Rivers, Delta, Bauchi, Edo, Zamfara, Gombe, Anambra, and Benue.

The increase in food prices is attributed to rising average prices of staple foods such as millet, yam, and tomatoes. The report from the National Bureau of Statistics also indicates that rural inflation remains higher than urban inflation, with food and non-alcoholic beverages being the largest contributors to the overall inflation rate.