Rising food prices in Nigeria were linked to logistics costs

According to the National Bureau of Statistics report (Consumer Price Index for September 2026), food inflation in the country showed varying indicators depending on the region. The highest year-on-year price growth was recorded in Lagos State (34.40%), Imo State (33.79%), and Ondo State (31.49%). The highest food price levels were also noted in Lagos, while Bauchi had the cheapest food basket.

At the same time, a price decrease was observed in a number of northern regions. In Taraba, annual food inflation stood at minus 7.47%, in Yobe at minus 0.37%, and in Borno at 2.18%. Meanwhile, on a month-on-month basis, food prices in September decreased compared to August in 25 out of the 37 locations covered by the report, against the backdrop of increased supply during the harvesting period and changing market prices.

Mohammed Magaji, President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), explained that rising transportation costs are the primary reason for food price increases. According to him, the impact of logistics costs depends on the proximity to production sites. In states where the bulk of produce is grown, prices remain more stable due to minimal delivery distances to markets.

Magaji noted that active production is concentrated in the north of the country, particularly in Taraba State, from where food is supplied to neighboring regions, including Gombe and Bauchi. In Taraba, harvesting traditionally begins earlier than in other places, and crops such as grain sorghum have currently already been harvested, with reserves capable of supporting food supplies in November and December.