By Peter Omopo
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to 15.38 per cent in March 2026, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The report showed that the CPI, which measures the average change in prices of goods and services, increased to 135.4 points in March, up from 130.0 recorded in February, representing a 5.4-point rise within the period under review.
On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate climbed to 15.38 per cent in March, compared to 15.06 per cent in February, indicating a continued upward pressure on prices.
The NBS also reported that month-on-month inflation stood at 4.18 per cent, reflecting a sustained increase in the general price level across the economy.
Food inflation, which remains a key driver of household spending pressure, was recorded at 14.31 per cent in March. On a month-on-month basis, food prices rose by 4.17 per cent, underscoring persistent increases in the cost of essential commodities.
According to the statistics agency, the inflationary trend continues to be driven largely by rising food costs as well as broader economic factors, including supply chain constraints and ongoing macroeconomic adjustments.
The latest figures suggest that inflationary pressures remain elevated despite policy efforts aimed at stabilising prices and easing cost-of-living challenges for households.
