A new report from the National Bureau of Statistics reveals that Borno and nine other states show some of the highest inflation rates in Nigeria, with Borno leading at 38.9%. Overall inflation has decreased nationally to 22.97%, but food inflation remains a major concern, impacting household costs severely. Amid ongoing supply and security challenges, policymakers are urged to intervene.
A recent report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has uncovered that Borno State, along with nine other states in Nigeria, ranks among the most expensive places to live in the country. This data reflects inflation rates as of May 2025, highlighting significant challenges faced by specific states, despite an overall decline in inflation nationwide.
According to the NBS, while the national headline inflation rate eased to 22.97% in May, down from 24.23% in March and a steep 33.95% in May 2024, many states are still encountering skyrocketing inflation. A notable finding is that certain states have inflation rates over 25.9%, with four states surpassing 30%. Clearly, some areas are still grappling with extreme economic pressures.
Food inflation continues to spike, now at a year-on-year rate of 21.14%, a marked decrease from 40.66% in the previous year. That being said, from April to May, food prices actually rose by 2.19%, pushing the costs of essential staples like yam and cassava higher.
The most affected state is Borno, where all-items inflation rates soar to 38.9%. This state has faced challenges tied to farming disruptions and security issues, pushing food inflation up to a staggering 64.4%. The state’s lack of stability adds pressure to already rising costs.
Following closely is Niger State, previously third, which climbed to second place with a 35% all-items inflation rate. Its food inflation is recorded at 30.3%, driven largely by ongoing transport disruptions due to insecurity.
Plateau State ranks third at 32.3% for headline inflation while food inflation sits at 18.6%. Interestingly, this state reported a slight decrease in food inflation recently, although this was swamped by increases in other essential costs, including transport.
Abuja, or the Federal Capital Territory, is fourth with a 31.1% headline inflation. Recent spikes in food prices have pushed food inflation up by 26.7%, showcasing rising living costs despite some respite in overall inflation figures.
Meanwhile, Oyo State, with its headline inflation at 28.9% and food inflation at 19.1%, still grapples with living costs due to fluctuating food availability, although there have been improvements in transport and accessibility.
Nasarawa State’s inflation stands at 27.4% while food inflation is at 25.3%. Prices here have remained stable, but long-term energy and transport costs are straining the economy.
Taraba State faces a notable rise in food prices with its headline inflation reaching 26.5% and food inflation jumping to 38.6%. These increases are attributed to agricultural supply challenges.
Cross River also surfaced in the report with 26.1% inflation, exacerbated by an alarming 11.1% monthly rise in food prices. Supply chain issues appear to be a key player here as well.
Edo State sticks around at 26.0%, despite a month-on-month decline in all-items inflation, as food costs still climb. This persistent rise has made the cost of living a serious concern.
Finally, Benue State has landed at 10th place, with a 25% all-items inflation mainly due to disruptions to its agricultural sector, particularly following recent violence that severely impacted local communities.
Previously, states like Enugu and Kebbi ranked as the most expensive in April 2025, showcasing how volatile cost of living can be in Nigeria given the ongoing economic conditions. Throughout these shifting trends, the need for actionable policies from authorities like the Central Bank of Nigeria has become vital to address the escalating cost of living and inflation.
This new data underscores the economic disparities across Nigeria, as Borno and several other states suffer significantly higher inflation rates compared to the national average. The consistent rise in food prices also signals underlying issues forcing many families to face increased living costs. Policymakers, especially from the Central Bank, must urgently consider solutions to stabilize the economic situation in these hardest-hit areas. The situation is complex and suggests that different states are navigating their own unique economic challenges.
Original Source: www.legit.ng
