Nigeria’s Inflation Edges Up Again to 15.93% in May 2026, Third Straight Monthly Rise
By Aboki Forex —
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to 15.93 percent in May 2026, up from 15.69 percent in April 2026. This is the third consecutive monthly increase, ending a period of disinflation.
The latest figure shows that domestic price pressures remain stubborn despite earlier interest rate hikes and other monetary policy moves by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Analysts say the steady climb complicates the policy environment for the central bank as it tries to steer fiscal stability across West African markets.
Food inflation slows month on month but stays high year on year
On a month on month basis, food inflation stood at 2.98 percent in May 2026. That is a drop of 0.65 percentage points from the 3.63 percent recorded in April 2026.
But on a year on year basis, food inflation was 16.96 percent in May 2026. That compares with 24.55 percent in the same month of 2025.
While the monthly slowdown offers some relief, long term food security and pricing pressures remain a major concern for households and businesses across the country.