Nigerian households are facing increased financial strain as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that food inflation climbed to 16.06% in April 2026, surpassing the headline inflation rate of 15.69% for the first time since August 2025. Data from the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that 11 states recorded food inflation rates above 20%, intensifying pressure on living standards across the country.
Food Inflation Exceeds Headline Inflation
The April figures mark a shift from the trend observed between September 2025 and March 2026, when headline inflation consistently remained higher than food inflation. In September 2025, food inflation stood at 20.16% against a headline rate of 20.98%. The gap widened in January 2026 when food inflation dropped sharply to 8.89%, while headline inflation was 15.10%. Food inflation then rose steadily from 10.84% in December 2025 to 12.12% in February, 14.31% in March, and finally to 16.06% in April, overtaking headline inflation. This indicates that food has resumed its role as a major driver of inflationary pressures in the Nigerian economy.
Eleven States with Food Inflation Above 20%
According to the NBS, the following states recorded the highest year-on-year food inflation rates:
- 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%
In contrast, the lowest year-on-year food inflation rates were recorded in Borno (1.7%), Jigawa (6.2%), and Taraba (7.2%).
Month-on-Month Food Inflation
On a month-on-month basis, food inflation also showed upward pressure. The highest increases were observed in:
- Niger – 8.5%
- Bauchi – 6.8%
- Kogi – 6.7%
- Benue – 6.6%
- Plateau – 6.2%
Meanwhile, the lowest month-on-month increases were recorded in Kebbi (0.2%), Katsina (0.5%), and Bayelsa (1.3%).
Government Import Restrictions
In related news, the Nigeria Customs Service has released a list of food items prohibited from importation in 2026. These include live or dead birds, frozen poultry, and other animal products, processed foods, beverages, and packaged goods. Offending items will be seized at airports, land borders, and ports.
