Rising food prices in Nigeria were linked to logistics costs

According to the National Bureau of Statistics Consumer Price Index report for September 2026, published on October 15, food inflation in the country showed mixed results across regions. The sharpest year-on-year price increases were recorded in Lagos (34.40%), Imo (33.79%), and Ondo (31.49%). At the same time, Lagos also posted the highest food price level in the country with an index of 178.0 (based on 2024 = 100), followed by Rivers and Oyo.

Meanwhile, some regions saw a different picture. In Taraba, the food inflation rate stood at minus 7.47 percent (prices were lower than a year earlier), in Yobe at minus 0.37 percent, and in Borno at 2.18 percent. The National Bureau of Statistics warned that direct comparisons between states may be misleading due to differences in consumer baskets.

Mohammed Magaji explained that the rise in food prices is driven entirely by increased transportation costs. According to him, in regions where production actually takes place (including Taraba and other northern territories of Nigeria), prices remain more stable because shipping expenses and distances to markets are minimal. Neighboring states and northern locations such as Gombe and Bauchi depend on supplies from these production hubs.