The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released its latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for September 2026, revealing that Adamawa, Kano and Bauchi recorded the sharpest month-on-month declines in food inflation. The report shows that Adamawa led with a decline of -13.84 per cent, followed by Kano at -11.01 per cent and Bauchi at -10.21 per cent.
These negative figures indicate that average food prices in these states fell compared with August, offering some relief to consumers grappling with high living costs. However, lower food inflation does not necessarily mean these states have the cheapest food in Nigeria; rather, the figures show where prices fell most sharply during the month.
States with Highest Monthly Food Inflation
While consumers in Adamawa, Kano and Bauchi experienced declining average food prices, the situation differed elsewhere. Imo, Ondo and Oyo recorded the highest month-on-month food inflation rates in September, indicating stronger upward pressure on food prices.
The contrasting figures underscore the uneven movement of food costs across Nigeria, where consumers in different states face varying market conditions. For households already struggling with transportation expenses, energy costs and other essential bills, persistent food inflation continues to put pressure on purchasing power.
Annual Food Inflation Rankings
On a year-on-year basis, the NBS identified Taraba, Yobe and Borno as the states with the slowest food inflation rates, meaning food prices in these states increased at a slower annual pace than elsewhere in the country.
Meanwhile, Imo recorded the highest annual food inflation rate at 33.79 per cent, followed by Lagos at 33.40 per cent and Ondo at 31.49 per cent. These figures suggest that consumers in these states experienced particularly sharp increases in food costs compared with September 2025.
Overall Inflation Trends
Nigeria's headline inflation rate declined to 14.64 per cent in September 2026, down from 15.39 per cent in August. However, food inflation edged higher to 19.59 per cent from 19.57 per cent in the preceding month.
The divergence suggests that while overall consumer price pressures moderated, food remained a major concern for Nigerian households. Economists generally distinguish between falling inflation and falling prices; a slowdown in inflation means prices are rising more slowly, not necessarily becoming cheaper.
For millions of Nigerians, the latest figures therefore offer a mixed picture: some states recorded meaningful monthly food price declines, but the broader challenge of food affordability persists nationwide. According to the NBS data, the three states with the highest food inflation rates in September 2026 were Lagos, Imo and Ondo, while Taraba and Yobe recorded negative rates, showing significant differences in food price movements across the country.
