Nigeria's Food Inflation Hits 16.06% in April 2026

In April 2026, Nigeria's food inflation rate rose to 16.06%, exceeding the overall inflation rate of 15.69% for the first time since August 2025. This increase marks a significant shift, as food inflation had remained below the headline inflation rate for seven consecutive months from September 2025 to March 2026.

The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics reported that food inflation climbed from 14.31% in March to 16.06% in April, while the overall inflation rate increased at a slower pace. The data indicates that food prices are rising faster than the broader consumer price index, with food inflation increasing by 8.89% from January to April 2026.

Major contributors to this rise include staple food items such as millet, yam, flour, and fresh ginger. Enugu recorded the highest food inflation rate at 32.67%, followed by Kwara at 30.77% and Adamawa at 30.14%.

Despite a moderate overall inflation rate compared to 2025, food price pressures remain elevated across several states.