Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased slightly in April 2025, settling at 23.7%, down from 24.2% in March, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). However, the cost of living remains alarmingly high in several states, with Enugu emerging as the most expensive state in Nigeria, recording a 36.0% annual inflation rate.
While the overall food inflation rate dropped to 21.3% year-on-year, this decline was influenced by a revised Consumer Price Index (CPI) base year, not necessarily lower prices on the ground. Nigerians in many states are still struggling with rising prices, particularly in food, energy, housing, and transportation.
Urban inflation remains higher than rural inflation. Urban areas posted 24.3% YoY inflation, compared to 22.8% in rural areas. Monthly urban inflation dropped significantly to 1.18% from 3.96%, while rural inflation hovered around 3.56%, indicating persistent pressure on rural households.
States such as Benue, Ekiti, Kebbi, and Niger continue to face intense inflationary pressures, particularly in food costs — widening the disparity in household living standards across the country.
Nigeria’s 10 Most Expensive States – April 2025
Below is a ranking of the top 10 Nigerian states with the highest inflation rates in April 2025:
- Enugu – 36.0%
Enugu recorded the highest headline inflation, with a 12.3% monthly increase in overall prices. Food inflation stood at 24.4%, suggesting cost spikes in non-food items such as transport, housing, and utilities. - Kebbi – 35.1%
With food inflation at 33.8%, Kebbi’s cost pressures are widespread. Though monthly increases were moderate (4.3% food, 5.4% overall), the high base cost keeps household strain high. - Niger – 34.8%
Niger saw a 14.7% monthly jump in all-items inflation, and food prices rose by 5.7%. These trends suggest a rapid price surge, especially in transportation and cross-border trade goods. - Benue – 34.3%
Leading in food inflation with 51.8% YoY, Benue highlights Nigeria’s growing food insecurity. A 25.6% monthly food price hike confirms worsening affordability for essentials. - Ekiti – 34.0%
Both food and overall inflation were 34.0% YoY, while food prices surged 16.7% monthly. This balance shows a state-wide pricing shock affecting every category. - Nasarawa – 33.3%
Nasarawa’s headline inflation was driven by a 16.0% monthly surge, and food costs rose 7.4%. This volatility points to transportation or fuel-related inflation shocks. - Zamfara – 33.2%
Zamfara posted moderate monthly gains (4.6% overall, 0.4% food), but its high annual rate shows steady long-term pressure, especially in non-food items. - Abuja – 32.9%
The FCT saw a 9.8% monthly inflation jump, despite a -0.7% drop in food prices, signaling growing pressure in housing, energy, and services. - Delta – 31.9%
Delta’s inflation was mainly non-food driven, with only a 2.2% food inflation monthly. Healthcare, housing, and transportation are likely culprits behind the 10.7% overall monthly increase. - Gombe – 31.0%
Food inflation in Gombe hit 26.4%, and prices rose 9.0% month-on-month. Essentials remain costly, especially for middle and lower-income earners.
While national figures show slight improvement, regional inflation patterns remain volatile. States like Benue and Ekiti are seeing sharp monthly spikes, while the likes of Enugu and Niger continue to experience steep costs across board.
The drop in food inflation at the national level is largely statistical and does not reflect actual price relief for Nigerian families. As inflation continues to vary sharply by state, targeted policy interventions are essential to relieve the burden on the most affected regions.
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