“Nigeria’s Inflation Drops, But Citizens Say Prices Keep Rising”

ABUJA, March 17 – Nigeria’s annual headline inflation rate reportedly eased to 23.18% in February 2025, down from 31.7% a year earlier, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The decline follows a recent rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to better reflect current consumption patterns.

The NBS report also indicated a drop in food inflation, which fell to 23.51% in February from 26.08% in January. Meanwhile, the central bank left its key interest rate at 27.5%, maintaining its stance after six hikes in 2024, which were aimed at controlling inflation amid President Bola Tinubu’s subsidy removal and naira devaluation policies.

However, despite the official figures suggesting inflation is slowing, many Nigerians are pushing back against this narrative, arguing that the cost of living continues to soar.

“How is Inflation Dropping When Prices Are Rising?” – Nigerians React

Across social media and marketplaces, citizens have challenged the government’s inflation data, citing continued price increases on essential goods.
   •   A trader in Lagos said, “The government says inflation is falling, but I can’t even afford to restock my shop. Prices are going up every week!”
   •   A civil servant in Kano tweeted, “They keep announcing inflation drops, but my salary buys less and less every month. Who is this lower inflation helping?”

Cost of Food Across Nigerian States

Food prices remain a major concern, with costs varying significantly across the country:
   •   Lagos State – Prices for staple foods remain high despite claims of inflation slowing.
   •   Yobe State – Some relief has been seen, with food prices dropping by 30%, particularly for millet, maize, and onions.

States With the Highest Inflation Rates

Despite the national inflation decrease, certain states continue to battle extreme price surges:
1. Bauchi State – 46.2% inflation rate
2. Sokoto State – 42.4% inflation rate
3. Kebbi State – 41.5% inflation rate
4. Imo State – 17.77%, down from 29.99% in December 2024

Lagos NYSC Member Slams Tinubu Over Rising Cost of Living

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Lagos, Ushie Uguamaye, recently went viral for criticizing the Tinubu administration over rising living costs.

“How are we supposed to survive? Prices are higher than ever, and yet they say inflation is dropping. This government is completely out of touch!” she said in an emotional video.

Her remarks sparked heated debates, with many agreeing that government statistics do not reflect the daily struggles of Nigerians. Some reports indicate that the NYSC has summoned her for questioning, drawing further criticism of the government’s response to dissent.

“Numbers vs. Reality: Who is Inflation Really Favoring?”

While the government claims inflation is easing, the realities on the ground tell a different story. Nigerians continue to grapple with high food prices, transport costs, and reduced purchasing power. The question remains:

“If inflation is truly dropping, why are Nigerians feeling poorer?”