Inflation in Nigeria increased to 15.69 per cent in April 2026, up from 15.38 per cent in March, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The year-on-year rise reflects a 0.31 percentage point increase, the bureau reported on Friday. The data comes from the latest Consumer Price Index release, which showed a significant drop in month-on-month inflation to 2.13 per cent, down from 4.18 per cent in March. This indicates a slower pace of price increases across the economy compared to the previous month.

The NBS explained that the April figure means the average rate at which prices rose was lower than in March. On a 12-month average basis, headline inflation stood at 19.16 per cent, slightly down from 19.33 per cent in April 2025. Urban areas recorded a year-on-year inflation rate of 15.40 per cent, with month-on-month inflation easing to 1.86 per cent from 3.16 per cent. The 12-month average urban inflation was 19.07 per cent, compared to 20.76 per cent in April 2025.

Rural inflation remained higher at 16.36 per cent year-on-year. However, month-on-month rural inflation fell sharply to 2.80 per cent in April, from 6.73 per cent in March. The 12-month average rural inflation rate was 18.99 per cent, up from 17.63 per cent in the same period last year. The NBS noted that while inflation remains elevated, the speed of price growth has significantly reduced.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

The National Bureau of Statistics reports high inflation at 15.69% while highlighting a slowdown in monthly price increases, creating a contradictory picture of economic relief amid persistent cost pressures. Nigerians in rural areas face higher inflation at 16.36%, meaning the slowdown does not translate to equal relief across regions. The 12-month average remains near 19%, suggesting that temporary dips in monthly figures may not reflect lasting improvement for households. This gap between statistical trends and lived experience leaves many questioning the real impact of reported economic cooling.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →