Adamawa, Kano, Bauchi Lead Food Price Relief as Inflation Pressure Persists

Adamawa, Kano and Bauchi recorded the sharpest month-on-month declines in food inflation in September 2026, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report from the National Bureau of Statistics. The relief was uneven, with Imo, Ondo and Oyo posting the highest monthly food inflation and Imo leading annual food inflation at 33.79 per cent.

Where food prices fell

Adamawa recorded the steepest monthly decline at -13.84 per cent. Kano followed at -11.01 per cent and Bauchi at -10.21 per cent. The negative figures mean average food prices fell in these states compared with August, offering some relief to households facing high living costs.

The NBS data does not mean these states have the cheapest food in Nigeria. It shows where average food prices fell most sharply during the month. The contrasting figures underscore the uneven movement of food costs across Nigeria, where consumers in different states face varying market conditions.

Annual pressure remains

On a year-on-year basis, Taraba, Yobe and Borno recorded the slowest food inflation rates. That means food prices in those states rose at a slower annual pace than elsewhere.

Imo had the highest annual food inflation at 33.79 per cent. Lagos followed at 33.40 per cent and Ondo at 31.49 per cent. Consumers in these states saw particularly sharp increases in food costs compared with September 2025.

Nigeria's headline inflation rate eased to 14.64 per cent in September 2026, down from 15.39 per cent in August. Food inflation edged up to 19.59 per cent from 19.57 per cent in the previous month.

Mixed picture for households

The gap between headline and food inflation shows that overall consumer price pressures moderated while food remained a major concern. Economists distinguish between falling inflation and falling prices. Slower inflation means prices are rising more slowly, not necessarily that they are coming down.

For Nigerian households, the September data offers a mixed picture. Some states recorded meaningful monthly food price declines, but food affordability remains a nationwide challenge, especially with transport, energy and other essential bills still weighing on purchasing power.

The figures leave food affordability as a key pressure point for consumers and businesses, even as headline inflation eased.