Nigeria’s inflation landscape continues to show signs of improvement, with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reporting a drop in headline inflation to 22.97% in May 2025, down from 23.71% in April. Even more encouraging is the sharp decline in food inflation, now at 21.14%, a notable drop from 40.66% a year earlier.
While some states are still facing steep price pressures—like Borno (38.9%) and Niger (35%)—others are emerging as pockets of affordability. Based on the latest NBS data, here are the top 10 most affordable Nigerian states to live in as of May 2025:
🏅 1. Katsina (16.2%)
Katsina leads the ranking with Nigeria’s lowest inflation rate. Its food inflation of just 6.9% stands out nationally. Key factors include the distribution of subsidized fertilizers, mechanized farming initiatives, and a ₦25 billion intervention fund for agricultural development.
🥈 2. Adamawa (18.2%)
With headline inflation dropping from 20.9% to 18.2%, Adamawa’s economic resilience is aided by a World Bank-supported agriculture initiative and a focus on climate mitigation and transport infrastructure.
🥉 3. Sokoto (18.5%)
Despite high food inflation (27.6%), Sokoto benefits from low transportation costs and major irrigation projects like the Kware and Wurno irrigation schemes, helping to ease broader cost pressures.
4. Yobe (18.6%)
Yobe’s headline inflation remains relatively low, bolstered by government encouragement of youth-led agriculture and improved food supply despite regional security concerns.
5. Ondo (18.9%)
This South-Western state is pushing affordability through strategic support for mechanized private farms and a steady focus on agricultural investment, reflected in its 14.5% food inflation rate.
6. Akwa Ibom (19.0%)
Akwa Ibom shines with comparatively low prices on consumer goods and transport. Although food inflation ticked up to 20.8%, government efforts to enhance food security continue to impact affordability.
7. Gombe (19.1%)
Once saddled with 31% inflation, Gombe’s sharp drop to 19.1% is linked to its ₦50 billion livestock and water management project, improving both economic productivity and cost stability.
8. Rivers (19.6%)
Despite recent emergency declarations, Rivers shows economic steadiness. With food inflation at just 9.2%, it’s among the most affordable states in Nigeria’s South-South region.
9. Ekiti (19.6%)
Ekiti posted one of the largest improvements, cutting inflation from 34% to 19.6%. Backed by agriculture-focused interventions, Ekiti remains a calm and affordable choice in South-West Nigeria.
10. Lagos (20.2%)
Nigeria’s bustling economic hub rounds out the list. Lagos reduced inflation through impactful policies like 25% public transport fare cuts and Sunday markets selling discounted food, making urban living more manageable.
Conclusion:
With federal and state governments doubling down on food security, agricultural innovation, and infrastructural support, affordability is no longer limited to rural areas. These top 10 states are proof that smart policy and local investment can make a real difference for Nigerian households.
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