Adamawa leads 10 states with highest cost-of-living jump in July as national inflation drops to 15.43%

Nigeria's headline inflation slowed to 15.43% in July 2026, but some states recorded rates more than double the national figure. Adamawa topped the list with a 33.0% inflation rate, driven by a food inflation surge to 51.4%.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released the Consumer Price Index report on Monday. It showed the national rate fell from 15.91% in June. Yet households in 10 states, spanning all six geopolitical zones, faced significantly heavier cost-of-living pressures.

Adamawa, Yobe, Anambra lead the top five

Adamawa's inflation climbed from 18.8% in June to 33.0% in July. Food inflation in the state jumped to 51.4% from 29.2%, making it the single largest driver of household expenses. Agriculture, transportation difficulties and security challenges are key factors behind the state's pricing conditions.

Yobe came second at 25.2%, nearly unchanged from 25.3% in June. Its food inflation eased slightly to 20.8% from 21.4%. The state's distance from major commercial centres and reliance on road transport continue to affect the cost of goods reaching residents.

Anambra followed at 24.0%, up sharply from 13.2% in June. Food inflation in the state rose to 16.8%. Delta took fourth place with 22.6%, rising from 14.0%. Food inflation in the oil-producing state climbed to 28.1% from 17.0%.

Abia rounded out the top five at 20.9%, driven partly by higher electricity, transport and production costs in its trading and manufacturing sector.

Bayelsa to Bauchi: food inflation remains the main pressure

Bayelsa entered the list at sixth position with an inflation rate of 20.3%, up from 12.3% in June. Food inflation in the riverine state rose to 21.9%, with geography and distribution costs cited as contributing factors.

Akwa Ibom followed at 19.9%, up from 14.6%, with food inflation reaching 17.1%. Zamfara placed eighth despite its headline inflation falling sharply to 19.8% from 28.7% in June. Food inflation there moved the other way, rising to 30.7% from 16.7%, reflecting ongoing agricultural and security pressures.

Katsina came ninth at 18.1%, down from 19.4%, yet food inflation climbed to 30.8% from 26.4%. Bauchi closed the list at tenth with 17.7%, marginally lower than 19.2% in June, while food inflation edged up to 22.0% from 21.6%.

What it means for consumers

Across all 10 states, food inflation remained the dominant pressure on household budgets. Agricultural output, transportation access, energy costs and security conditions are shaping price trends at the state level. The gap between the national average and these states shows that a single headline figure can hide severe regional cost-of-living strains for Nigerian consumers.