Despite a slight moderation in Nigeria’s headline inflation to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, households across several states continue to grapple with rising living costs, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The report reveals that while inflation slowed marginally at the national level, price pressures remain intense in many states, with some recording figures significantly above the national average.
Benue State tops the list with an inflation rate of 22.5 per cent, largely fueled by soaring food prices. Residents say staples such as yam, rice and tomatoes have become increasingly unaffordable.
“We now spend almost double on basic food items compared to last year,” a Makurdi trader lamented. “Transportation and market levies are also adding to the burden.”
Kogi State follows closely at 21.0 per cent. Higher food costs, rising transport fares and increasing rental demand—particularly in commercial hubs like Lokoja—have combined to push up living expenses.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), inflation stood at 19.2 per cent, reflecting the capital’s persistently high housing costs, alongside elevated food and transportation expenses. Residents in Abuja say rent and utility bills remain major sources of concern.
“Even though they say inflation is dropping, the reality here is different,” a civil servant in Abuja said. “House rent, electricity and food prices are still very high.”
Adamawa State recorded the same rate of 19.2 per cent, with rising grain and protein prices compounded by logistics costs. Yobe State followed at 19.1 per cent, where residents report mounting fuel-related charges and higher market prices for fresh produce.
In Osun State, inflation reached 18.1 per cent as increased electricity tariffs and transport fares placed additional pressure on households in Osogbo and Ile-Ife.
Nasarawa State posted 17.3 per cent, with analysts attributing part of the increase to its proximity to Abuja, which influences price movements. Meanwhile, Oyo State and Niger State both recorded 16.9 per cent, reflecting higher food, fuel and utility costs across major towns and rural communities.
The NBS report underscores significant disparities in living costs across the federation, affecting both urban and rural populations. For many families, shrinking purchasing power has forced difficult choices.
“We’ve had to cut down on non-essential spending and switch to cheaper alternatives,” a resident in Ibadan noted. “Planning for the future has become more uncertain.”
Although the national inflation trend suggests gradual moderation, the lived reality in several states indicates that meaningful relief remains elusive for millions of Nigerians struggling to cope with the rising cost of living.