Food, transport costs push Nigeria’s inflation rate to 15.69% in April

Nigeria’s inflation rate climbed to 15.69 per cent in April 2026 as rising food prices, transport costs, and healthcare expenses continued to place pressure on households across the country.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Friday showed that inflationary pressure remained persistent despite ongoing economic stabilization measures by the Federal Government and monetary tightening by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The April figure represents an increase from earlier readings recorded in the first quarter of the year, signaling renewed pressure on consumer spending and household purchasing power.

According to the report, food inflation remained the largest contributor to the rise in the headline index, driven by higher prices of staple commodities such as rice, beans, yam, tomatoes, and vegetable products.

Analysts attributed the increase largely to rising transportation and logistics costs, insecurity affecting farming communities, and the high cost of moving produce from rural areas to urban markets.

Transportation costs also recorded a sharp increase as petrol and diesel prices remained elevated amid global oil market volatility and continued adjustments within Nigeria’s downstream energy sector.

The rising cost of transportation has had a direct impact on both passenger fares and the distribution of goods nationwide, further increasing pressure on market prices.

Healthcare costs also emerged as a major contributor to inflation, with hospitals and healthcare providers reportedly adjusting service charges in response to higher operational expenses and the increasing cost of imported medical supplies.

Economic analysts say the inflation surge reflects deep structural challenges within the economy, particularly in energy, logistics, and supply chain management.

An economist, Dr. Vincent Nwani, described the current trend as “logistics-driven inflation,” noting that the high cost of transporting goods remains a major obstacle to price stability.

He said that while monetary authorities continue efforts to control liquidity through interest rate adjustments, supply-side challenges continue to sustain inflationary pressure.

The NBS data further showed that urban inflation remained higher than rural inflation, reflecting the greater dependence of cities on transported goods and formal service sectors.

Major urban centres including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt continue to experience elevated living costs linked to housing, transportation, and food distribution expenses.

Economists warn that persistent inflation may further erode household incomes, especially for low- and middle-income earners already struggling with rising living expenses.

They also caution that businesses may continue transferring higher operational costs to consumers, potentially sustaining upward price pressure in the coming months.

Attention is now shifting to the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee meeting of the Central Bank of Nigeria, where analysts expect policymakers to consider additional measures aimed at controlling inflation and stabilizing the economy.

While some experts believe the rainy season and anticipated harvest cycle could provide temporary relief for food prices later in the year, concerns remain that transport and energy costs may continue to undermine broader efforts to achieve lasting price stability.