The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has identified Bauchi, Kebbi, and Sokoto as the three most expensive states to live in Nigeria, based on the October 2024 Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation data.
Released on Friday, November 16, 2024, the report highlighted significant year-on-year increases in headline and food inflation rates in these states.
Bauchi led the inflation rankings with a staggering 46.68% year-on-year increase, followed by Kebbi at 40.02% and Sokoto at 39.65%. In terms of food inflation, Sokoto topped the chart with 52.18%, trailed by Edo (46.55%) and Borno (45.85%).
“Rising costs of food and petrol have pushed Nigeria’s overall inflation to 33.88% in October,” the report noted. Food inflation also soared to a record 39.16%, further exacerbating the cost of living for Nigerians.
On the other hand, Delta (27.85%), Benue (28.22%), and Katsina (29.59%) recorded the lowest year-on-year inflation rates, making them comparatively more affordable. Kwara, Kogi, and Rivers posted the slowest increases in food inflation at 31.68%, 33.30%, and 33.87%, respectively.
Economic analysts have attributed the inflation surge to disruptions in the food supply chain and persistently high fuel prices. Citizens across affected states continue to grapple with the financial strain as they seek ways to adapt to the rising cost of living.
