By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that Kogi State recorded the highest inflation rates in February 2026, with headline inflation at 23.57% and food inflation at 26.91%. The report, released in February, shows where inflation rose most, how prices changed month-on-month, and why food costs increased across states in Nigeria.
Headline Inflation by State (Year-on-Year)
The NBS data highlights strong regional differences.
- Highest inflation states:
- Kogi – 23.57%
- Benue – 22.85%
- Anambra – 22.09%
- Lowest inflation states:
- Katsina – 7.78%
- Imo – 11.66%
- Ebonyi – 11.71%
These figures show that inflation pressure remains uneven nationwide.
Month-on-Month Inflation Trends
On a monthly basis, some states recorded sharp increases, while others saw declines.
- Highest increases:
- Enugu – 5.92%
- Ogun – 4.39%
- Anambra – 4.11%
- Declines recorded in:
- Zamfara – -2.14%
- Bauchi – -1.23%
- Katsina – -1.06%
Overall, Nigeria’s monthly headline inflation rose to 2.01% in February, up from -2.88% in January.
Food Inflation: Key Drivers and State Data
Food prices remain a major concern despite annual moderation.
Year-on-Year Food Inflation
- Highest:
- Kogi – 26.91%
- Adamawa – 23.12%
- Benue – 21.89%
- Lowest:
- Katsina – 5.09%
- Bauchi – 7.09%
- Imo – 7.65%
Month-on-Month Food Inflation
- Highest increases:
- Bayelsa – 8.81%
- Ebonyi – 8.51%
- Edo – 7.72%
- Decline:
- Katsina – -0.70%
Why Food Prices Increased
Food inflation rose due to higher prices of key staples. These include:
- Beans
- Yam flour
- Cassava tubers
- Crayfish
- Millet flour
- Ogbono and snails
As a result, monthly food inflation climbed to 4.69%, reversing January’s -6.02%.
National Inflation Trend
The report shows mixed progress at the national level.
- Headline inflation (YoY): 15.06% (down from 15.10% in January)
- Food inflation (YoY): 12.12%
- February 2025 comparison: down from 26.27%
Although annual inflation slowed, monthly pressures increased, signaling renewed price volatility.
Key Takeaways
- Inflation eased slightly year-on-year but rose monthly.
- Food prices drove the recent increase.
- Kogi, Benue, and Anambra recorded the highest inflation rates.
- Northern states like Katsina saw slower price growth.
