Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to 15.69 percent in April 2026, marking the second consecutive monthly increase as rising food and energy costs continued to pressure household spending across the country.
The latest figure, released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), represents an increase from the 15.38 percent recorded in March, signaling renewed inflationary pressure after months of gradual easing.
Economic analysts attribute the latest increase largely to higher transportation costs, rising food prices, energy-related expenses, and the lingering impact of fuel price adjustments across the economy.
The development comes at a time when businesses and consumers are already grappling with elevated operational costs, weaker purchasing power, and continued pressure on disposable incomes.
Analysts say food inflation remains one of the biggest contributors to the rising headline figure, particularly as logistics costs and supply chain disruptions continue to affect the movement of agricultural produce nationwide.
The renewed inflationary trend could also complicate monetary policy decisions for the Central Bank of Nigeria, which had recently begun easing its aggressive tightening cycle after inflation showed signs of moderation earlier in the year.
The latest inflation increase comes despite ongoing government reforms and efforts to stabilise the naira, improve domestic refining capacity, and strengthen macroeconomic conditions.
Economists warn that sustained increases in food and energy prices could further weaken consumer confidence and increase pressure on businesses already battling high operating costs.
