The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that Ogun State recorded the most modest year-on-year increase in food inflation across Nigeria, standing out as one of the few states to also register a decline on a month-on-month basis.
According to the NBS’s April Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, Benue, Ekiti, and Kebbi emerged as the states with the highest annual food inflation rates. Benue led the chart with a staggering 51.76 percent year-on-year increase, followed by Ekiti at 34.05 percent and Kebbi at 33.82 percent.
In stark contrast, Ogun posted a minimal year-on-year food inflation increase of 9.91 percent—one of the lowest nationwide—alongside Ebonyi at 7.19 percent and Adamawa at 9.52 percent.
Month-on-month figures further highlighted the disparities. Benue, Ekiti, and Yobe experienced the sharpest monthly increases, with April food inflation rates recorded at 25.59 percent, 16.73 percent, and 13.92 percent, respectively.
However, some states saw relief in food prices. Notably, Ebonyi recorded a significant month-on-month drop of 14.43 percent, while Kano and Ogun followed with declines of 11.37 percent and 7.06 percent, respectively.
Analysts suggest that the steep inflation in Benue may be linked to the recent wave of violence and displacement in the state, which has disrupted agricultural activities and food supply chains.
The report underscores the growing regional disparities in food inflation trends across the country, as economic pressures continue to mount on households nationwide.
Comments