Nigeria’s food inflation rate resumed an upward trend in March 2026, rising to 12.12 percent after six months of relative stability, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported.
The rise reflects increases across several food sub‑groups monitored by the statistics agency.
Inflation measures the rate at which prices of goods and services rise over time. Food inflation specifically tracks the change in prices of food items that form part of the consumer basket.
The NBS periodically releases inflation data reflecting price movements across the economy.
Before March 2026, food inflation had remained stable for six months, according to recent releases from the statistics office. The March figure represents the first notable increase after that period.
The NBS report shows that the overall food inflation rate increased to 12.12 percent in March 2026 from the preceding month. The rise was driven by higher prices in several food categories.
Some of the food sub‑groups that recorded price increases included:
- Bread and cereals
- Vegetables
- Oils and fats
- Potatoes, yams and other tubers
The data indicates that these categories experienced upward price movements, contributing to the overall increase in the food inflation rate.
The report also shows changes in food prices across various geographical zones in Nigeria, reflecting regional price dynamics.
According to the NBS report, hikes in the prices of key staples contributed to the rise in the food inflation rate across Nigeria’s geographic zones.
The statistics office regularly compiles price data from urban and rural markets to produce the inflation estimate.
An increase in food inflation affects household purchasing power, particularly for low‑ and middle‑income earners who spend a larger share of their income on food.
The rise in the food inflation rate may also influence economic planning and policy discussions by government and stakeholders.
