According to the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data, Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis escalated in March 2025 as food inflation soared to 21.79% year-on-year.

The report, released yesterday, 15th April, spotlighted the sharp rise in the prices of staple foods such as garri, rice, fresh pepper, and vegetables, driven by seasonal shortages, transportation challenges, and supply chain disruptions. On a month-to-month basis, food inflation rose to 2.18%, up from 1.67% in February.

As food prices rose, headline inflation also increased to 24.23% in March, a 1.05% increase from the 23.18% recorded in February.

Fresh ginger, yellow garri, ofada rice, natural honey, crabs, potatoes, and plantain flour were among the food items driving the inflation spike, all of which saw double-digit price hikes.

The NBS noted significant variation in food inflation across states. Oyo (34.41%), Kaduna (31.14%), and Kebbi (30.85%) recorded the steepest year-on-year increases. In contrast, Bayelsa (9.61%), Adamawa (12.41%), and Akwa Ibom (12.60%) saw the slowest rises.

Month-on-month data showed that Kaduna (18.85%), Osun (16.49%), and Oyo (14.44%) experienced fresh price spikes, while Sokoto (-14.10%), Nasarawa (-9.91%), and Edo (-5.78%) recorded declines,a  trend the NBS attributed to localised harvests and state-backed subsidy programs.

The statistics agency emphasised that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) used to track inflation is based on region-specific consumption patterns, potentially misleading direct comparisons between states.

With essential food items increasingly out of reach for many households, experts warn that continued inflationary pressure could worsen Nigeria’s food insecurity and economic hardship in the months ahead.

Source: The Sun

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