Juliet Ezeh
Rising food prices are once again tightening pressure on Nigerian households, even as the country’s overall inflation rate shows signs of easing.
The latest Consumer Price Index report released by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that food inflation climbed to 12.12 per cent year-on-year in February 2026, reversing the single-digit level recorded in January.
The increase highlights persistent challenges in Nigeria’s food supply chain, with the cost of staple items continuing to rise across markets nationwide.
Despite the monthly jump, food inflation remains significantly lower than the 26.98 per cent recorded in February 2025, indicating some improvement on a yearly basis. However, economists say the recent rebound reflects renewed short-term pressures affecting consumers.
On a month-on-month basis, food prices rose sharply by 4.69 per cent in February, driven by increases in the cost of essential commodities such as beans, cassava, yam flour, crayfish, and vegetables.
Food inflation remains the largest contributor to Nigeria’s overall inflation, underlining its direct impact on household welfare. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for the biggest share of price increases during the period.
Although Nigeria’s headline inflation edged down slightly to 15.06 per cent in February from 15.10 per cent in January, experts say the marginal decline offers little relief to consumers.
Business leaders and economic analysts warn that the rising cost of food and energy continues to outweigh any gains from the slight moderation in overall inflation.
According to stakeholders in the private sector, the current inflation trend has yet to translate into lower prices for goods and services or improved living conditions for Nigerians.
Concerns are also growing within the agricultural sector, where farmers cite high input costs and insecurity as major constraints to food production. These challenges, they say, could further limit supply and sustain upward pressure on prices.
Industry observers caution that if farmers scale back production in the coming planting season, the country may face renewed food shortages, potentially pushing inflation higher in the months ahead.
In addition, global factors such as rising energy prices and geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Iran, could increase import costs and worsen domestic price pressures.
State-level data further reflects uneven food price movements across the country, with some regions experiencing significantly higher inflation than others. This variation highlights structural differences in supply chains, transportation costs, and local production capacity.
While policymakers continue to implement measures aimed at stabilising prices, analysts stress that addressing insecurity, improving logistics, and supporting local food production will be critical to achieving lasting relief.
For many Nigerians, however, the immediate reality remains unchanged — food prices are rising, and the cost of living continues to strain household budgets.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.