Nigeria's inflation drops to 15.43% in July but state rates diverge sharply

Nigeria’s headline inflation fell to 15.43% in July 2026, a 0.48 percentage-point drop from June’s 15.91%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Despite the national moderation, state-level data reveal extreme disparities: Adamawa leads at 33.0% (food inflation 51.4%), followed by Yobe 25.2%, Anambra 24.0%, Delta 22.6%, Abia 20.9%, Bayelsa 20.3%, Akwa Ibom 19.9%, Zamfara 19.8%, Katsina 18.1%, and Bauchi 17.7%. In several states, food price increases outpace overall inflation, worsening household budgets especially where agriculture and transport costs are high. The divergence means the national average masks severe cost‑of‑living pressures in some regions, while others remain closer to the moderate trend. Households in high‑inflation states should track local market prices, consider bulk purchasing or switching to cheaper staples, and explore state‑specific relief programs. Policymakers need to address localized supply chain bottlenecks, particularly in food distribution and security‑affected areas, to prevent further erosion of purchasing power.

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/08/18/top-10-most-expensive-states-to-live-in-july-2026/