The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has highlighted Bauchi, Kebbi, and Sokoto as the most expensive states to live in Nigeria, according to its consumer price index and inflation data for October 2024, released on Friday. Bauchi recorded the highest year-on-year inflation rate, standing at 46.68 percent, followed by Kebbi with 40.02 percent, and Sokoto at 39.65 percent. These figures reflect significant inflationary pressures that are affecting the cost of living in these regions.
On the other hand, Delta, Benue, and Katsina recorded the lowest rates of inflation, with Delta showing a rise of just 27.85 percent, Benue at 28.22 percent, and Katsina at 29.59 percent. These states experienced a more moderate increase in inflation compared to the national average, which has been driven by a surge in food and fuel prices.
The report also reveals concerning trends in food inflation, with Sokoto experiencing the highest rise at 52.18 percent, followed by Edo (46.55 percent) and Borno (45.85 percent). On the other end of the spectrum, Kwara, Kogi, and Rivers recorded the slowest food inflation increases, at 31.68 percent, 33.30 percent, and 33.87 percent respectively. This shows a significant disparity in how food prices are impacting different regions.
Overall, Nigeria’s inflation rate soared to 33.88 percent in October 2024, largely driven by rising food and fuel prices. Food inflation in particular reached a record high of 39.16 percent, exacerbating the financial strain on Nigerian households across the country
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