Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has questioned the credibility of Nigeria’s latest inflation figures, arguing that the reported 15.43 per cent headline inflation rate does not reflect the economic realities facing Nigerians.
Oseni made the remarks on The Morning Show on Tuesday while reacting to the latest Consumer Price Index and inflation report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The NBS reported that Nigeria’s headline inflation fell to 15.43 per cent in July 2026, down from 15.91 per cent recorded in June.
However, Oseni expressed doubts about the accuracy of the figures, particularly the extent to which the reported decline reflects actual changes in the prices of goods and services across the country.
“I don’t believe a lot of the data that comes out of this administration,” Oseni said, questioning the methodology and credibility of some government statistics.
He also criticised the decision to change the inflation base year, arguing that the adjustment could affect how the country’s inflation situation is perceived.
Oseni further raised concerns about government accountability, citing reports of extra-budgetary spending and the absence of a detailed public breakdown of how the funds were utilised.
According to him, the lack of transparency in government finances contributes to public distrust in official economic data.
He also questioned whether the reported decline in inflation had translated into lower prices in the markets.
“You know, we are saying the inflation rate is 15.4-something. Have prices gone back in the market to the prices you used to have before?” he asked.
Oseni argued that although inflation may be slowing, Nigerians are still contending with significantly higher prices for food, transportation and other essential goods and services.
He described the situation as a “dance of deceit,” warning that declining inflation figures could create a misleading impression if they are not accompanied by improvements in the purchasing power and living standards of Nigerians.
The broadcaster also criticised the government over what he described as inconsistencies in its communication on the state of Nigeria’s refineries, citing previous claims about their operations and subsequent calls for their revival.
His comments come amid ongoing debate over the significance of Nigeria’s declining inflation rate and whether the downward trend is translating into meaningful relief for households and businesses.
The debate has also renewed calls for greater transparency in the production and presentation of official economic statistics, particularly as Nigerians continue to grapple with elevated living costs.
Separately, the National Assembly has also come under criticism over its oversight of government spending. Rafsanjani argued that lawmakers have failed to adequately exercise their constitutional oversight responsibilities, particularly in relation to security expenditure.
Comments