Enugu, Kebbi, and Niger States have emerged as the most expensive states to live in Nigeria, according to the latest reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition. The “Cost of Healthy Diet” report revealed a staggering 110.7% increase in the average cost of maintaining a healthy diet, which rose to N1,035 per day in April 2024—up from N491 during the same period last year. Compared to March 2024, the cost increased by 5.4%, rising from N982.
Further confirming the cost-of-living pressure, the NBS April 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed that Enugu recorded the highest year-on-year headline inflation rate at 35.98%, followed closely by Kebbi at 35.13% and Niger at 34.85%. These states experienced the most significant surge in core inflation, making them the hardest hit by rising food and living costs.
In contrast, Ondo, Cross River, and Kwara States recorded the lowest year-on-year inflation increases, with Ondo at just 13.42%, followed by Cross River at 17.11% and Kwara at 17.28%.
Despite these regional disparities, the national average headline inflation eased slightly to 23.7% in April, offering only marginal relief amid ongoing economic challenges.
