INFLATION ABOVE 30% IN 19 STATES, FCT DESPITE NATIONAL EASING

Despite the slight decline in the national inflation rate, 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) still recorded inflation rates above 30% in June 2026, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The NBS report released on Friday showed that while the headline inflation rate eased to 15.91%, several states continued to experience significantly higher price increases, particularly in food and energy. States in the northern and eastern parts of the country were the hardest hit, with some recording rates as high as 38%.

The NBS attributed the high inflation in these states to persistent supply chain disruptions, insecurity affecting agricultural production, and rising transportation costs. Food inflation remained the major driver in most of the affected states.

Economists have expressed concern over the wide disparity in inflation rates across the country, warning that it could exacerbate regional inequalities and create additional economic challenges. They called for targeted interventions to address the specific factors driving inflation in the affected states.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, acknowledged the uneven impact of inflation and said the government is implementing measures to improve food supply and reduce transportation costs. He assured that more targeted policies will be rolled out to support the most affected regions.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has also been urged to consider regional dimensions in its monetary policy decisions to ensure a more balanced approach to inflation management.

As the national inflation rate continues to ease gradually, the high rates in several states highlight the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive strategy to address the cost of living crisis across the country. Stakeholders have called for urgent action to prevent further hardship for residents in the most affected areas.