Nigeria’s Food Inflation Climbs to 20.31% as Household Costs Rise

News in Brief:

— Nigeria’s food inflation rose to 20.31% in July 2026, with month-on-month inflation also climbing to 5.56%, putting renewed pressure on household budgets.

— Despite government interventions to boost food production and support farmers, rising input, transport and production costs continue to drive up food prices and strain consumers.

Nigeria’s year-on-year food inflation rate rose to 20.31% in July 2026, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), highlighting renewed pressure on household budgets despite a slower rate compared with the 26.20% recorded in July 2025.

The latest figure marks a worrying reversal from the moderation seen in 2025. In 2024, food inflation surged above 40%, pushing the cost of essential food items beyond the reach of many households. Although inflation began slowing the following year, food prices have started climbing again in 2026.

On a month-on-month basis, food inflation increased to 5.56% in July, up from 3.75% in June. The June figure had also risen from 2.98% in May, showing that food prices have continued to increase steadily.

Government Steps Up Support for Farmers

The Federal Government has introduced several interventions to boost food production and reduce price pressures under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The government secured more than 449,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser inputs, equivalent to about nine million bags, while initiatives such as the Farm Input Support Programme have supported smallholder farmers with locally produced fertiliser and certified seeds.

Efforts have also focused on distributing climate-smart seeds for rice, maize, cassava and soybean, alongside the rollout of 2,000 tractors acquired from Belarus, and other agricultural equipment, including combine harvesters and threshers.

Community food banks initiated by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and food hubs in Lagos are also intended to improve access to affordable food.

However, these measures have yet to translate into lower food prices. Rising input, transportation and production costs continue to push up farm-gate prices, leaving farmers struggling to maintain profitable operations.

With food accounting for a significant share of Nigeria’s inflation burden, sustained increases could continue to weigh heavily on household purchasing power even as headline inflation moderates.