By Queen Madaki
ABUJA, Nigeria — Millions of Nigerians are facing renewed economic pressure after food inflation rose sharply across several states, with at least 11 states recording food inflation above 20 per cent in April 2026, according to the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The NBS said food inflation increased to 16.06 per cent in April, surpassing Nigeria’s headline inflation rate of 15.69 per cent for the first time in eight months. The development underscores the growing burden on households already struggling with higher living costs.
States Recording the Highest Food Inflation
According to the report, the following states posted the highest food inflation rates in the country:
- Enugu — 32.7%
- Kwara — 30.8%
- Adamawa — 30.1%
- Rivers — 26.8%
- Delta — 23.9%
- Bauchi — 23.7%
- Edo — 23.0%
- Zamfara — 22.0%
- Gombe — 21.6%
- Anambra — 20.8%
- Benue — 20.1%
The sharp increases were driven by rising prices of essential staples such as garri, tomatoes, beans, yam, beef, pepper, crayfish, potatoes, plantain, millet, wheat grain, and soybeans.
Nigerians Spend More on Basic Food Items
The latest figures indicate that food prices have once again become the dominant force behind inflation in Nigeria, overtaking transport, energy, rent, and other consumer services.
This means households are allocating a larger share of their income to food, leaving less money for healthcare, education, housing, and transportation.
Rural Communities Hit Harder
The NBS report showed that inflation was more severe in rural communities, where the inflation rate reached 16.36 per cent, compared with 15.40 per cent in urban areas.
Analysts say insecurity, poor road networks, inadequate storage facilities, and weak distribution systems continue to disrupt the movement of food from farms to markets.
Up to 17 Million Nigerians May Need Food Assistance
The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) has warned that between 16 million and 16.99 million Nigerians could require urgent food assistance by November 2026.
Nigeria was listed alongside Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Yemen as countries expected to face some of the highest humanitarian food needs in the world.
Experts Cite Structural Economic Challenges
Economic analysts say rising fuel prices, transportation costs, electricity tariffs, and insecurity in farming communities are fueling the steady increase in food prices.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Muda Yusuf, said Nigeria’s inflation challenge is structural and cannot be addressed through interest rate hikes alone.
He noted that high diesel costs, logistics expenses, poor infrastructure, and insecurity are major contributors to food inflation.
The Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chinyere Almona, also said inflation continues to squeeze businesses, manufacturers, traders, and low-income households despite signs of moderation in the broader economy.
Cost of Living Pressures Persist
Although Nigeria’s headline inflation has declined significantly from 26.82 per cent in April 2025, many Nigerians say they have yet to experience any meaningful relief as food prices remain elevated and purchasing power weakens.
“The real cost-of-living crisis in Nigeria is still being driven by food prices, which continue to outpace income growth across the country.”
Analysts say stronger reforms focused on food production, energy supply, transportation, security in farming areas, and local manufacturing will be essential to slow rising prices and ease pressure on households.
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