Anambra, Kogi and Benue recorded the highest inflation rates in Nigeria in February 2026 as price pressures continued to vary across states, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The data shows that Kogi State recorded the highest year-on-year inflation rate at 23.57 percent followed by Benue at 22.85 percent and Anambra at 22.09 percent.
Inflation rates vary across Nigeria due to differences in consumption patterns, supply chains, transportation costs and the structure of local markets.
The CPI report explained that the index is weighted based on consumption patterns that differ from state to state, meaning price movements can vary widely depending on the dominant goods and services consumed within each location.
While some states experienced strong price increases, others recorded relatively lower inflation levels during the period under review.
According to the report, Katsina recorded the lowest year-on-year inflation rate at 7.78 percent, followed by Imo at 11.66 percent and Ebonyi at 11.71 percent.
The variation reflects differences in food supply conditions, transportation costs and market structures across the country.
On a month-on-month basis, some states recorded particularly strong price increases in February.
The report showed that Enugu recorded the highest monthly inflation at 5.92 percent, followed by Ogun at 4.39 percent and Anambra at 4.11 percent.
In contrast, some states experienced a decline in price levels during the same period.
States with the lowest month-on-month inflation included Zamfara with -2.14 percent, Bauchi with -1.23 percent, and Katsina with -1.06 percent.
Food Inflation Driving State-Level Differences
Food prices remain one of the biggest drivers of inflation across Nigeria and often determine how inflation varies between states.
The CPI report revealed that Kogi also recorded the highest food inflation rate at 26.91 percent, followed by Adamawa at 23.12 percent and Benue at 21.89 percent.
Meanwhile, Katsina recorded the lowest food inflation at 5.09 percent, with Bauchi at 7.09 percent and Imo at 7.65 percent.
Despite the state-level variations, Nigeria’s overall headline inflation rate eased slightly in February.
The CPI report showed that Nigeria’s headline inflation declined to 15.06 percent in February 2026, down marginally from 15.10 percent recorded in January.
Although inflation remains elevated, the data indicates that the pace of price increases has slowed compared with the previous year.
Economists say regional disparities in inflation will likely persist due to differences in food supply, transportation infrastructure, security conditions and local economic structures.
States that rely heavily on food imports from other regions or face supply disruptions often experience stronger price increases.
For policymakers, the latest CPI report highlights the importance of improving food supply chains, transportation networks and market integration across Nigeria in order to reduce regional price disparities and stabilise inflation nationwide.
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