By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased slightly to 15.06 per cent in February 2026, down from 15.10 percent in January 2026, as the statistics showed 10 states with the lowest rate of inflation in February.
This was contained in the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which measures the average change over time in the prices of goods and services consumed by households, released by the NBS on Monday, March 16.
The report also contained an analysis of inflation trends on a state-by-state basis. In some states, inflationary pressures remain heightened, while others are experiencing relatively lower price increases.
These variations in cost-of-living conditions from state to state can be attributed to differences in security situations, supply chains, transportation costs, agricultural output, and market dynamics.
In this article, Impact Nigeria Newspaper highlights the 10 states with the lowest rate of inflation in February, according to the latest CPI report of the NBS.
10. Edo
Edo State occupies the 10th spot among the top 10 states with the lowest rate of inflation in February 2026, with an inflation figure of 15.4 per cent and a food inflation rate of 17.7 per cent.
Although the state’s inflation figure is slightly above the national average, the state maintains a relatively stable price environment compared with many other states.
However, a food inflation of 17.7 per cent shows that the cost of food continues to exert pressure on household budgets, especially among low-income earners.
9. Borno
In the ninth spot is Borno State, which recorded a headline inflation rate of 14.88 per cent.
While this suggests a relatively moderate cost environment, food inflation remains elevated at 16.1 per cent, a pointer to persistent supply chain and distribution challenges in some parts of the state.
8. Abia
With a headline inflation of 14.68 per cent in February, Abia State occupies the eighth spot on the top 10 states with the lowest rate of inflation in February 2026.
The state stands out for maintaining one of the lowest food inflation rates at 10.6 per cent. This underscores relative stability in the prices of essential commodities compared to many other states.
7. Kano
Kano, one of Nigeria’s commercial cities, recorded a headline rate of 14.17 per cent in February.
The state’s food inflation stood at 11.8 per cent in the month, signaling a relatively controlled cost environment, supported by strong trade networks and market accessibility.
6. Bauchi
Bauchi State recorded a rate of 13.6 per cent in February 2026, making it the sixth state among the top 10 states with the lowest rate of inflation in February 2026.
Also notable is the state’s low food inflation rate of 7.1 per cent, making it particularly attractive in terms of food affordability.
5. Kaduna
In the fifth spot on the list of top 10 states with lowest rate is Kaduna, which recorded a headline rate of 13.52 per cent.
The rate in the state remains moderate at 11.6 per cent, indicating relatively balanced price conditions across essential consumer goods.
4. Zamfara
In February, Zamfara recorded a headline inflation rate of 12.29 per cent to secure the fifth spot among the top 10 states with the lowest inflation rate in the month.
However, food inflation remains high in the state, reaching 16.7 per cent. This represents ongoing pressure on essential commodities despite overall price moderation.
3. Ebonyi
Among the top 10 states with the lowest rate of inflation in February, Ebonyi ranked third with a headline inflation rate of 11.71 per cent.
Food inflation in the state stood at 10.3 per cent during the month, signaling that food prices are relatively controlled in the state and contributing to the state’s strong affordability position.
2. Imo
Imo State recorded one of the lowest headline inflation rates nationwide at 11.66 per cent.
The state’s food inflation rate stood at 7.6 per cent, further strengthening its standing as one of the top 10 states with the lowest rate of inflation during the review period.
1. Katsina
In the first spot among the top 10 states with the lowest rate of inflation in February is Katsina State.
The state recorded a single-digit headline inflation rate of 7.78 per cent and food inflation at 5.1 per cent.
The figures suggest that Katsina demonstrates significantly lower price pressures compared to the national average and positions the state as the most cost-friendly environment among the states on the top 10 list.
