The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported a significant rise in food inflation across Nigeria, with Sokoto topping the list at 38.3%.
According to the NBS Consumer Price Report for February 2025, food inflation nationwide stood at 23.51% year-on-year, a notable drop from the 37.92% recorded in February 2024. However, month-on-month inflation in February 2025 was 1.67%.
“Sokoto recorded the highest food inflation rate in the country, with 38.3%,” the NBS report stated. “This reflects a significant increase in the cost of basic foodstuffs.”
Edo followed closely with 35.1%, while Nassarawa ranked third at 33.5%. States such as Abia (31.9%), Enugu (31.6%), and Imo (29.0%) also faced considerable rises in food prices, further straining household budgets.
The report highlighted the year-on-year food inflation for February 2025 was most pronounced in Sokoto and Nassarawa, while on a month-on-month basis, Sokoto, Nasarawa, and Kogi saw the highest inflation.
The full list of states with the highest food inflation includes:
1. Sokoto – 38.3%
2. Edo – 35.1%
3. Nassarawa – 33.5%
4. Abia – 31.9%
5. Enugu – 31.6%
6. Imo – 29.0%
7. Gombe – 28.5%
8. Zamfara – 28.2%
9. Ebonyi – 28.1%
10. Kwara – 27.2%
These rising food prices are attributed to various factors, including supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and regional challenges like insecurity.
As food inflation continues to impact households, experts suggest a need for immediate policy intervention to stabilize food prices across affected states.