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Nigeria’s Inflation Hits 34.8% In December Amid Festive Season Demand
A state-by-state breakdown showed Bauchi had the highest year-on-year inflation rate at 44.06%, followed by Sokoto at 42.43% and Kebbi at 41.47%.
Abuja, Nigeria– Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to 34.80% in December 2024, up from 34.60% in November, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released Wednesday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The marginal 0.20% increase was attributed to heightened demand for goods and services during the festive season, the report noted.
“On a year-on-year basis, the Headline inflation rate was 5.87% higher than the rate recorded in December 2023 (28.92%),” the NBS stated, emphasising the significant annual surge in inflation.
Food inflation in Nigeria surged to 39.84% year-on-year in December 2024, up from 33.93% in the same period in 2023, according to a recent report.
The increase was driven by rising prices of staple foods like yams, rice, maize, and dried fish.
However, on a month-on-month basis, food inflation eased slightly to 2.66% in December from 2.98% in November. This was attributed to price reductions in items such as local beer, soft drinks, and tubers.
Core inflation, which excludes volatile agricultural and energy prices, rose to 29.28% year-on-year in December, compared to 23.06% in December 2023.
The largest price hikes were recorded in transport fares, meals at local restaurants, and personal grooming services.
Month-on-month, core inflation increased to 2.24% in December, up from 1.83% in November.
A state-by-state breakdown showed Bauchi had the highest year-on-year inflation rate at 44.06%, followed by Sokoto at 42.43% and Kebbi at 41.47%.
Katsina recorded the lowest inflation rate at 28.33%, with Delta and Imo close behind.
For food inflation, Sokoto led with a staggering 57.47% year-on-year increase, while Zamfara and Edo followed with 46.39% and 46.32%, respectively.
Yobe, Kano, and Abuja saw month-on-month declines in food inflation.
NBS added that Tmthe rise in inflation, especially during the holiday season when consumer spending peaks, underscores the economic challenges Nigerians continue to face.
