Nigeria’s inflation rate climbed to 34.6% in November 2024, marking an increase from 33.8% in October, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This represents a year-on-year jump of 6.4 percentage points compared to the 28.2% recorded in November 2023.
On a month-on-month basis, inflation rose by 2.638% in November 2024, showing a marginal slowdown from October’s 2.64% growth. While prices continue to rise, the slight dip in monthly growth indicates a marginal easing in the pace of price increases.
Food inflation, a critical driver of overall inflation, surged to 39.93% in November, a significant rise from 32.84% in November 2023. Staple items such as yams, maize, rice, cocoyams, and vegetable oil were among the top contributors to the soaring prices. On a month-on-month basis, food inflation increased by 2.98%, slightly higher than October’s 2.94%. Items like dried fish, yam flour, millet, powdered milk, and frozen meat drove this monthly increase.
Over the past year, the average food inflation rate rose to 38.67%, an increase of 11.58 percentage points compared to the 27.09% recorded in November 2023. This highlights the persistent pressure on consumers and households, with many struggling to afford basic necessities.
Food inflation varied across states, with Bauchi recording the highest rate at 46.21%, followed by Kebbi (42.41%) and Anambra (40.48%). Delta (26.47%), Benue (28.98%), and Katsina (29.57%) reported the lowest year-on-year food inflation rates. On a month-on-month basis, states like Yobe (5.14%), Kebbi (5.10%), and Anambra (4.88%) led the pack, while Adamawa (0.95%), Osun (1.12%), and Kogi (1.29%) saw the slowest increases.
Key contributors to rising food prices include tubers like yams and cocoyams, cereals such as maize and rice, and dairy products like powdered milk. Other significant drivers were fish varieties, including dried catfish, and meats such as dried beef and frozen chicken. The NBS attributed the sustained rise in food prices to supply chain disruptions and increased demand for key staples.
The relentless rise in inflation underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to stabilize food supply chains and curb rising prices. Addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts to boost agricultural productivity, improve distribution networks, and tackle inefficiencies in the food production sector. Without decisive action, the burden on households is likely to intensify further.
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