Food prices remain a pressing concern across Nigeria, even as the national year-on-year food inflation rate dropped to 21.14% in May 2025.
The decline from 40.66% recorded a year earlier is largely attributed to a statistical base effect following a change in the base year used for comparison. However, beneath the surface, many Nigerians are still grappling with rising food costs, especially at the state level.
Month-on-month inflation told a different story, climbing slightly to 2.19% in May from April’s 2.06%, highlighting continued volatility in food prices despite broader statistical improvements.
A closer look at the data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that some of Nigeria’s biggest food-producing states are now experiencing the steepest food inflation. The disconnect between production and affordability underscores how insecurity, transportation costs, and broken distribution networks are eroding food accessibility.
Nairametrics market observations across Lagos markets reveal that while prices of staples like tomatoes, pepper, chicken, and palm oil increased, a few commodities such as rice, yellow maize, and frozen fish witnessed minor drops. Still, the general consensus among consumers is that food remains expensive.
Here are the 10 Nigerian states with the highest food inflation rates for May 2025, and what’s driving them:
10. Ebonyi – 25.9%
Ebonyi, known for its rice and yam cultivation, saw food inflation climb to 25.9%—a sharp jump from April’s 7.2%. Despite its strength in food production, poor logistics and high transport costs are weighing heavily on prices. The state also ranked among the top 20 in overall inflation.
9. Kogi – 26.52%
Kogi matched Ogun’s rate at 26.52%, reflecting a 4.7% increase from April. As a producer of yam, cassava, and legumes, Kogi’s elevated food costs could be linked to poor market access and ongoing regional disruptions.
8. Ogun – 26.54%
Ogun experienced a dramatic surge in food inflation, rising from 9.9% to 26.54%. Despite its location along major food supply routes and its own agricultural output, supply inefficiencies and inflationary pressures persist.
7. Abuja (FCT) – 26.7%
The Federal Capital Territory recorded food inflation of 26.7%, up from April’s 22.2%. Though it produces food crops like yam, beans, and cassava, Abuja remains heavily reliant on supplies from other regions, making it vulnerable to national food chain disruptions.
6. Cross River – 27.3%
From 14.5% in April, food inflation in Cross River jumped to 27.3%. The state produces cassava, plantain, yam, maize, and other staples, but seasonal shifts and rising demand have driven prices higher. It placed eighth in overall inflation rankings.
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5. Sokoto – 27.6%
Sokoto recorded a modest increase from 25.3% to 27.6%. The state has a relatively consistent production base, including millet and plantain, but lingering logistical issues and external market pressures are impacting affordability.
4. Niger – 30.3%
Niger State, a major food basket region, saw food inflation reach 30.3% in May—a 6% rise from April. While known for yam and sorghum, the price increases likely reflect seasonal scarcities and market disruptions. It was the second-highest state in total inflation.
3. Taraba – 38.6%
Food inflation in Taraba surged from 20.3% to 38.6%—an 18.3% hike. Despite being a hub for cassava, millet, and potatoes, insecurity and road network challenges have affected trade and supply, pushing prices upward.
2. Bayelsa – 39.8%
Bayelsa experienced one of the steepest monthly increases, jumping from 19.7% to 39.8%. The state, though agriculturally productive, relies heavily on imports from other regions, amplifying its vulnerability to national price swings.
1. Borno – 64.4%
At the top of the chart, Borno’s food inflation skyrocketed to 64.4% in May, up by a staggering 42.9% from April’s 21.5%. The state grows staples such as millet, maize, and sweet potatoes, but the persistent conflict, restricted access, and supply chain disruptions have made food increasingly inaccessible and unaffordable. Borno also posted the highest overall inflation for May.
Conclusion
While national inflation figures may paint a rosier picture, the situation on the ground in many states tells a story of deepening food insecurity and economic strain. Until structural issues like insecurity, poor road networks, and inefficient market systems are addressed, the burden of high food prices will continue to weigh on households across Nigeria.
