…As food, transport costs deepen hardship
Nigeria’s inflation rate increased to 15.69 percent in April 2026, up from 15.38% in March, intensifying pressure on households already struggling with rising living costs.
Latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that food prices, transportation fares, healthcare expenses and hospitality services remained the major drivers of inflation across the country.
The NBS said food inflation stood at 16.06 percent year-on-year, fueled by higher prices of staples such as garri, beans, tomatoes, beef, cassava and yam flour.
Although prices continued to rise, the report noted that the pace of monthly inflation slowed, with month-on-month inflation easing to 2.13% in April from 4.18% in March. Rural communities recorded stronger price pressures, with rural inflation at 16.36%, when compared to 15.40% in urban areas.
Among states, Sokoto recorded the highest inflation rate at 25.74%, followed by Bauchi and Zamfara, while Edo posted the slowest increase.
Analysts say persistent increases in food, transport and energy costs remain a major concern for Nigerians facing weak purchasing power and worsening economic hardship.
