Headline Inflation Eased 20.12% in the Month of August 2025
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that Nigeria’s headline inflation eased to 20.12% in August 2025, falling from 21.88% recorded in July. This marks a 1.76 percentage point decline. On a year-on-year comparison, inflation slowed by 12.03 percentage points from 32.15% in August 2024, partly reflecting the adjustment in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) base year (November 2009 = 100). On a month-to-month basis, inflation also moderated to 0.74% in August, compared to 1.99% in July 2025, indicating that the pace of price increases was slower during the month.
Inflationary pressures differed across states. Ekiti (28.17%), Kano (27.27%), and Oyo (26.58%) posted the highest year-on-year inflation rates, while Zamfara (11.82%), Anambra (14.16%), and Enugu (14.20%) recorded the lowest. Food inflation was most severe in Borno (36.67%), Kano (30.44%), and Akwa Ibom (29.85%), but remained relatively low in Zamfara (3.30%), Yobe (3.60%), and Sokoto (6.34%).
The overall slowdown in headline inflation signals some easing in general price pressures. Nonetheless, the wide differences in food inflation among states highlight the effects of regional insecurity, poor logistics, and supply chain bottlenecks. These disparities suggest that households in states with higher inflation are facing greater living costs. To ensure balanced relief, economic policies should incorporate state-level realities rather than relying solely on national averages. Addressing local challenges such as insecurity, fertiliser shortages, and limited access to agricultural finance will be crucial in managing inflation sustainably. Source: National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)
