Abuja, Nigeria – Inflation remained above 20 percent in six Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory in February 2026, underscoring persistent price pressures despite a slight easing in the national headline rate to 15.06 percent.
Okay News reports that data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed Kogi State recorded the highest inflation at 23.6 percent, followed by Benue at 22.9 percent and Anambra at 22.1 percent. The Federal Capital Territory posted 21.9 percent, while Oyo and Akwa Ibom recorded 21.6 percent and 20.9 percent respectively. Adamawa stood at 20 percent, sitting at the threshold.
Food inflation was a major driver of the divergence. Kogi recorded food inflation of 26.9 percent, while Adamawa and Benue posted 23.1 percent and 21.9 percent respectively. These figures were significantly higher than the national food inflation rate of 12.12 percent, reflecting stronger localized pressures in key consumption and production areas.
Monthly inflation trends also reversed sharply in February. All states recorded positive month-on-month inflation after experiencing declines in January. Anambra posted the fastest monthly rise at 4.1 percent, followed by Oyo at 4.0 percent and Akwa Ibom at 3.8 percent. Abuja and Kogi recorded increases of 2.2 percent and 2.1 percent respectively.
The National Bureau of Statistics noted that while headline inflation eased slightly on a year-on-year basis, the pace of monthly price increases accelerated. The Consumer Price Index rose to 130.0 in February from 127.4 in January, reflecting renewed momentum in price growth.
Members of the Organised Private Sector warned that the marginal easing in headline inflation offered little relief to businesses and households. Dr Femi Egbesola, President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, said the decline was seasonal and not structural, stressing that elevated inflation continues to weigh heavily on enterprises and consumers.
