Yobe, Ogun Lead in Soaring Food Inflation Despite National Decline
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‎By Obamodi O. Faith
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‎Yobe and Ogun states have recorded the highest food inflation rates in Nigeria, even as the country’s overall inflation eased to 15.15%, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
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‎Yobe posted the highest year-on-year food inflation at 15.2%, followed by Ogun at 14.1%, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at 13.2%. Several other states also reported elevated food inflation between 12% and 12.6%, highlighting the widespread nature of rising food costs across the country.
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‎This state-level trend contrasts with the national inflation rate, which continued its downward trajectory, driven by a moderation in food prices. The NBS attributed the decline to improved harvests, base effects, and easing supply constraints in some regions. Food inflation, historically the main driver of headline inflation, showed signs of slowing, offering some relief at the national level.
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‎However, analysts caution that state-level realities paint a more complex picture. In Yobe, persistent insecurity, poor transport infrastructure, and limited market access have kept food prices high. In Ogun, proximity to Lagos, rising fuel and logistics costs, and strong consumer demand have contributed to inflationary pressures. Abuja’s high cost of living and reliance on food transported from other regions have also pushed up prices.
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‎Economists warn that sustained high food inflation in several states could deepen food insecurity and erode household purchasing power, especially for low-income families. They stress that national averages may obscure the economic strain felt in inflation hotspots.
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‎Experts are calling for targeted interventions, including enhanced security in agricultural zones, investment in rural infrastructure, reduced transport costs, and support for local food production. These measures, they argue, are essential to ensure that the benefits of easing inflation are felt across all regions.