“Food Prices Rising Again” — 11 Nigerian States Hit With Over 20% Food Inflation

Fresh economic pressure is hitting millions of Nigerians as food inflation surged above 20 per cent in at least 11 states across the country, according to the latest report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The report revealed that food inflation climbed to 16.06 per cent in April 2026, overtaking Nigeria’s headline inflation rate of 15.69 per cent for the first time in eight months.

The development signals renewed pressure on household spending and worsening hardship for many Nigerians already battling rising living costs.

Enugu, Kwara, Adamawa Among Worst Hit

According to the report, the states with the highest food inflation rates were:

• 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 NBS stated that the rising food prices were largely driven by increases in:

• Garri

• Tomatoes

• Beans

• Yam

• Beef

• Pepper

• Crayfish

• Potatoes

• Plantain

• Millet

• Wheat grain

• Soybeans

Nigerians Spending More On Food Again

The latest figures suggest food prices have once again become the biggest driver of inflation in Nigeria after months where transport, energy, rent, and other services contributed more heavily to rising costs.

The report also showed that rural communities were suffering more from inflation than urban areas.

Rural inflation stood at 16.36 per cent compared to 15.40 per cent in urban areas, highlighting the impact of insecurity, transportation problems, poor storage systems, and weak distribution networks affecting food supply.

Fresh Warning: Millions May Face Hunger

In another worrying development, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network warned that between 16 million and 16.99 million Nigerians could require urgent food assistance by November 2026.

The organisation listed Nigeria among countries expected to record some of the world’s highest humanitarian food needs alongside:

• Sudan

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Yemen

According to the report, insecurity, poor purchasing power, and weak agricultural production continue to worsen food access across parts of Nigeria.

Experts Warn Nigerians May Face More Hardship

Economic experts say the rising cost of transportation, fuel, electricity, logistics, and insecurity in farming communities are pushing food prices even higher.

Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Muda Yusuf, warned that the country’s inflation problem remains largely structural and cannot be solved by interest rate increases alone.

He explained that high diesel prices, logistics costs, insecurity, and poor infrastructure were all contributing heavily to food inflation.

The Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chinyere Almona, also said inflation continues to hurt businesses, manufacturers, traders, and low-income households despite slight signs of economic moderation.

Cost Of Living Crisis Deepens

Although inflation has reduced significantly compared to the 26.82 per cent recorded in April 2025, many Nigerians say they are yet to feel any real relief due to the continued rise in food prices and declining purchasing power.

Analysts believe the government may need stronger reforms targeting:

• Food production

• Energy supply

• Transportation

• Security in farming areas

• Local manufacturing

to slow down the worsening cost-of-living crisis affecting millions across the country.

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