Food Prices Fall in Three Nigerian States, but Inflation Remains High Elsewhere

By Utelnova News Desk

Food prices recorded significant monthly declines in Adamawa, Kano and Bauchi in September 2026, while residents in other parts of Nigeria continued to face rising food costs, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The report showed that Adamawa recorded the sharpest month-on-month decline in food prices at 13.84 per cent, followed by Kano at 11.01 per cent and Bauchi at 10.21 per cent. Meanwhile, Imo, Ondo and Oyo recorded the highest month-on-month food inflation rates at 5.15 per cent, 4.46 per cent and 3.82 per cent, respectively.

Food Inflation Remains a Major Concern

Despite the monthly decline in food prices in several states, food inflation remained a concern nationally. Nigeria’s year-on-year food inflation rate stood at 19.59 per cent in September, highlighting the continued pressure on household budgets.

On a year-on-year basis, Lagos recorded the highest food inflation rate at 34.40 per cent, followed by Imo at 33.79 per cent and Ondo at 31.49 per cent.

The figures illustrate the uneven movement of food prices across the country, with consumers experiencing different levels of price pressure depending on their location.

What the Figures Mean for Nigerians

A decline in monthly food prices does not necessarily mean that food has become affordable. It indicates that the average price index fell compared with the previous month, but prices may still be higher than they were a year earlier.

For households already struggling with the cost of essential food items, even a slowdown in inflation may not immediately restore purchasing power.

The figures also do not measure how many people are unable to afford sufficient food. Food-price inflation and food insecurity are separate measures, although rising food costs can worsen the hardship experienced by vulnerable households.

As Nigerians continue to contend with the cost of living, sustained improvements in food affordability will depend on whether price relief reaches consumers and household incomes can cover essential needs.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), September 2026 Consumer Price Index report, as reported by Nigerian media outlets.

By Utelnova News Desk