Food inflation continues to strain household incomes across Nigeria, despite a technical decline in the year-on-year national average.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), food inflation stood at 21.14% in May 2025, a sharp drop from 40.66% in May 2024—a decline largely attributed to a change in the inflation base year, which affects annual comparisons.
However, the month-on-month rate rose slightly to 2.19%, up from 2.06% in April, signaling persistent price pressures on key food items.
At the state level, several parts of the country are facing disproportionately high food inflation, even in regions that are major food producers. This highlights a widening gap between local food production and consumer affordability—caused by insecurity, supply chain disruptions, high transport costs, and weak market infrastructure.
A Nairametrics survey report across four key Lagos markets revealed that while some items such as rice, semovita, yellow maize, and frozen fish experienced slight price drops, staples like tomatoes, pepper, palm oil, and chicken saw price increases—keeping overall food prices uncomfortably high.
The NBS reports that key staples such as yam, cassava, pepper, and maize remain costly across all regions, contributing to persistent food inflation pressures nationwide.
Top 10 States With Highest Year-on-Year Food Inflation (May 2025)
10. Ebonyi – 25.9%
Rising sharply from 7.2% in April, Ebonyi’s 25.9% inflation is significant for a state known as a rice production hub. Despite producing yam, beans, and cassava, inefficiencies in transport and distribution have kept prices elevated.
9. Kogi – 26.52%
Matching Ogun, Kogi posted a 4.7% monthly rise. Known for yam, cassava, sorghum, and cowpea production, the state’s inflation may be due to poor market access and regional supply chain disruptions.
8. Ogun – 26.54%
With a massive 16.6% jump from 9.9% in April, Ogun’s inflation remains high despite proximity to major food routes. The state produces cassava, maize, and rice but still struggles with price pressures.
7. Abuja (FCT) – 26.7%
Food prices in the Federal Capital Territory rose from 22.2% to 26.7%, as the city heavily depends on supply from surrounding states. Inflation here often mirrors national trends, despite some local food production.
6. Cross River – 27.3%
Experiencing a jump from 14.5% in April, Cross River’s 27.3% rate reflects rising prices of cassava, maize, garden egg, banana, and pepper, despite the state’s active trade in regional markets.
5. Sokoto – 27.6%
A marginal rise from 25.3%, Sokoto remains among the top 10. Known for producing millet, rice, yam, and pumpkin, the state’s inflation points to seasonal supply fluctuations.
4. Niger – 30.3%
A 6% increase from April pushed Niger to 30.3%. As a major producer of sorghum, yam, and rice, inflation here may be influenced by market pressures from nearby states and seasonal shortages.
3. Taraba – 38.6%
Food inflation in Taraba surged from 20.3% in April—a steep 18.3% increase. Despite being a diverse food-producing state, insecurity and poor infrastructure have hindered food distribution and driven up prices.
2. Bayelsa – 39.8%
Jumping 20.1% from April’s 19.7%, Bayelsa’s high inflation is surprising given its production of plantain, cassava, pepper, and rice. The spike is likely due to supply chain dependence on other regions and high transport costs.
1. Borno – 64.4%
Borno recorded the highest food inflation in the country, rising from 21.5% in April—a staggering 42.9% increase. Despite growing millet, maize, guinea corn, and sweet potatoes, widespread insecurity, blocked trade routes, and restricted market access have driven prices to record highs.
