General News
Nigeria’s Inflation Drop: Has Life Become Any Easier?
By Blaise Udunze
When the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) yesterday announced that Nigeria’s inflation rate had dropped to 18.02 percent in September 2025, the news was met with official applause. Government officials hailed it as evidence that the economy is recovering. Yet, for the millions of Nigerians struggling to buy food, pay rent, or fuel their generators, the question remains painfully simple: has life become any easier? The answer, for most Nigerians, is no.
Inflation has long been one of Nigeria’s most stubborn economic afflictions that has been eroding purchasing power, distorting markets, and deepening poverty. The recent “decline” in inflation has not eased the everyday hardship of ordinary people. Prices are still rising, incomes remain stagnant, and hope for relief feels distant.
Nigeria’s inflation is fundamentally cost-push in nature, not demand-driven. Rising energy prices, unstable foreign exchange, high transport costs, and insecurity in food-producing regions continue to fuel cost increases across all sectors. The removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, though intended to restore fiscal discipline, have instead unleashed a new wave of inflationary pain. Each naira devaluation has made imports costlier, and with Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported food, fuel, and raw materials, the consequences are devastating for consumers.
This disconnect between the headline figures and the lived reality has deepened public distrust. Many Nigerians believe official inflation data do not reflect the economic pain they face daily. Critics, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have flagged weaknesses in Nigeria’s inflation measurement system: outdated expenditure weights dating back to 2003/2004, poor representation of the informal sector, and underweighted essentials like food and energy. Because the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is infrequently rebased, it often lags behind real market conditions, which makes the official inflation rate appear lower than what citizens actually experience.
Independent trackers such as the “Jollof Index,” which measures the cost of cooking a basic Nigerian meal, consistently show higher inflation than the NBS reports. To most households, this is not a debate about methodology but about survival. A N1,000 note that once covered dinner now barely buys a few milk cups of rice. A civil servant’s salary, unchanged for years, has lost more than half its value. The supposed inflation “drop” is deceptive to those whose plates are emptier and whose transport costs have tripled.
Inflation has been a recurring symptom of Nigeria’s economic fragility since the return to democracy in 1999. Under Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007), inflation briefly spiked to 28 percent but eventually stabilized at single digits through reforms and debt relief. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007-2010) faced steady price rises amid Niger Delta unrest and weak policy continuity. Goodluck Jonathan (2010-2015) managed to keep inflation moderate, averaging about 10 percent, helped by oil windfalls and tighter monetary policy. However, under Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2023), inflation more than doubled, peaking above 21 percent as recession, currency crises, and supply shocks battered the economy. The current administration of Bola Tinubu (2023-present) has witnessed the sharpest surge yet, which was above 34 percent in late 2024, as this was driven by subsidy removal, naira float, and imported inflation. Though the official rate now claims to have fallen to 18.02 percent after statistical rebasing, Nigerians still endure the steepest cost-of-living crisis in the nation’s history.
Across these 24 years of democratic governance, the pattern is unmistakable, showing that Nigeria’s inflation is structural, not cyclical. It is rooted in weak productivity, fiscal indiscipline, policy inconsistency, and dependence on imports. While numbers fluctuate, the hardship remains constant. Inflation may fall on paper, but it never leaves the market stalls, the bus parks, or the kitchens of ordinary Nigerians.
Efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to fight inflation through higher interest rates have achieved little because monetary tools alone cannot fix structural weaknesses. The way forward demands a broader agenda through reviving domestic production, securing farmlands, stabilizing the foreign exchange market, curbing fiscal leakages, and reforming energy and transport infrastructure to cut costs. Until then, inflation data will continue to serve as statistical comfort in an economic storm.
Inflation is not just a number; it is a mirror of national mismanagement. For now, Nigerians have learned to distrust figures that contradict the evidence of their daily struggles. A fall to 18.02 percent may please policymakers and investors, but it changes nothing for the teacher whose salary buys less each month or the parents who must choose between school fees and food.
Economic recovery is not when inflation falls; it’s when Nigerians can afford to live again, not living impoverished.
The latest World Bank Nigeria Development Update delivers a chilling verdict, as 139 million Nigerians, over half of the nation’s population, are said to be living in poverty. The report, titled “From Policy to People: Bringing the Reform Gains Home,” praises Nigeria’s bold macroeconomic reforms but warns that the gains have yet to trickle down to the people.
Poverty in Nigeria is not just growing; it’s metastasizing. The World Bank’s 139 million estimate translates to roughly six in ten Nigerians living below the poverty line.
The numbers are stark. The implications are severe. And the solutions will require more than incremental policy tweaks. What the nation is witnessing is an emergency, one that demands bold leadership, systemic change, and national resolve.
Despite measurable progress on paper indicating improved revenue inflows, a more stable foreign exchange market, and the easing of inflationary pressures, the truth in the streets tells a very different story. Nigeria today sits at a troubling crossroads where official statistics clash with the bitter truth of daily survival. Each month, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) releases inflation figures suggesting a country “stabilising.” Yet in the kitchens of Lagos, in the weary sighs of market women, and in the hollowed eyes of hungry children, a harsher reality unfolds, which is that empty pots don’t lie. Hunger, not percentages, is Nigeria’s truest inflation index.
Contrary to the promise by this administration of sweeping reforms to “reset” the economy, they unleashed an economic storm that continues to batter households. A bag of rice that sold for N35,000 two years ago now costs between N70,000 and N90,000. A crate of eggs has jumped from N1,200 to N6,200. Tomatoes, garri, and pepper, which are staples of everyday life, have drifted beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.
This statistical adjustment may appear elegant on paper, but for millions who now spend 70 to 80 percent of their income on food, such figures are not just implausible; they’re insulting. Nigeria may have changed its base year, but it hasn’t changed the harsh arithmetic of survival.
Until the supposed recovery begins to show up in the kitchen, the market, and the wallet, the fall in inflation will remain what it truly is a statistical victory and a national deceit.
Again, we must understand that economic recovery is not when inflation falls; it’s when Nigerians can afford to live again.
Blaise, a journalist and PR professional writes from Lagos, can be reached via: [email protected]
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has warned Nigerians against patronising fraudulent platforms for passport payments, while dismissing claims of third-party involvement in its application process.
This was disclosed in a statement by NIS on Monday. It described it as false and misleading, suggesting that a religious organisation was linked to its payment system.
The NIS maintained that its passport application process remained secure, transparent and fully government-approved and was accessible only through its official portal: http://passport.immigration.gov.ng.
It stressed that the portal was the sole authorised platform for all passport-related payments and processing for Nigerians both within the country and in the diaspora.
“The service has not authorised any religious body, private organisation or individual to act as an intermediary or receive payments on its behalf.
“The claims that a religious organisation appears in our payment process are entirely false and do not reflect the structure, integrity or processes of the NIS,” the NIS said.
The statement added that a simple verification of the NIS official portal would confirm the authenticity and transparency of its system.
It cautioned that any third-party links or platforms claiming to process passport payments for the NIS were fraudulent and should be avoided.
The statement disclosed that the NIS had commenced an investigation into the source of the allegations, noting that preliminary findings suggested the involvement of individuals attempting to mislead the public or damage the service’s reputation.
It assured that appropriate sanctions would be applied against those found culpable and reiterated that NIS operates strictly in line with government financial regulations and works only with licensed and accredited payment service providers clearly indicated on its official platform.
NIS warned that payments made outside the approved channels were at the payer’s risk, adding that it would not be responsible for any loss or inconvenience arising from such transactions.
It urged Nigerians to exercise caution, use only its official portal, and avoid unauthorised agents, websites and third-party platforms.
“The service does not recognise or provide any alternative payment options for passport applications or related services,” it said.
NIS assured the public of its commitment to safeguarding trust by strengthening its systems and monitoring processes to prevent fraud, misuse and misrepresentation.
“For further enquiries or assistance, we advise the public to contact NIS via its verified communication channels, including its social media handles on X (Twitter), Instagram and Facebook (@nigimmigration).
“Other contact centre numbers are 09121900655, 09121556359, and 09121477092, available 24/7, and WhatsApp lines 0916087800 and 09117717772,” it said.
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has hosted delegates from nine African countries for a cross-regional peer exchange visit aimed at strengthening collaboration on data protection, privacy, and digital governance across the continent.
NDPC
The peer exchange programme was organised by the NDPC in partnership with the World Bank and Smart Africa as part of ongoing efforts to deepen institutional capacity and harmonise data protection frameworks in Africa.
Speaking during the opening session, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, commended the World Bank and Smart Africa for their sustained commitment to advancing data protection and privacy across the continent.
Olatunji said the exchange was timely, particularly as African countries continue to accelerate digital transformation and expand cross-border data flows requiring stronger governance frameworks.
He noted that the programme provides Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) across Africa with an opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another, and develop coordinated regulatory approaches.
According to him, collaboration among African countries is critical to ensuring that data controllers and processors comply with their obligations while protecting the rights of data subjects.
“The peer exchange offers us an opportunity to collectively examine our progress, identify common challenges, and strengthen institutional cooperation around data governance on the continent,” he said.
Drawing lessons from Europe’s experience with harmonised privacy laws, Olatunji highlighted the benefits of aligning data protection regulations across Africa to improve trust, facilitate digital trade, and strengthen cybersecurity resilience.
He urged participating countries to work towards developing practical and enforceable regulations that respond to the realities of Africa’s digital economy.
The NDPC boss also advised data protection regulators to collaborate closely with government institutions and the private sector in their respective countries to ensure effective implementation of privacy laws and digital governance frameworks.
He stressed the need for greater public awareness on data rights, noting that educating citizens remains essential to building a culture of accountability and privacy protection.
Countries participating in the peer exchange include Burundi, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Zambia.
Also participating are representatives from regional organisations, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The initiative builds on NDPC’s previous regional engagements in 2025, when the commission hosted Data Protection Authorities from Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and The Gambia for a Data Governance Study Trip organised in partnership with the African Union and the European Union.
According to NDPC, the latest engagement reinforces the importance of cross-border collaboration in strengthening Africa’s data governance ecosystem amid rising concerns around cybersecurity, digital trust, and privacy compliance.
The commission said the programme also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision of expanding Nigeria’s cooperation with other nations in the digital age while positioning the country as a leading voice in Africa’s evolving digital policy landscape.
Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce platform, Konga, has officially announced the launch of its highly anticipated Konga Tech Month. Konga Tech Month is a month-long campaign dedicated to delivering exceptional value across the technology category.
Konga Tech Month Campaign
It runs from May 1 to May 31, 2026, and presents one of the most compelling opportunities for consumers, SMEs and corporates to acquire premium technology products at jaw-dropping discounts of up to 50% across a wide range of products.
Tech Month is designed to meet the growing demand for genuine, reliable, high-performance technology solutions in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy. Through strategic collaborations with global technology leaders such as Samsung, LG, ASUS, HP, and Starlink, Konga is reinforcing its commitment to technological democratization as the global economy increasingly pivots toward a digital-first future.
From smartphones and laptops to televisions, refrigerators, and cutting-edge accessories, the campaign delivers a comprehensive suite of technology solutions tailored to both personal and professional needs. Whether consumers are upgrading their home entertainment systems or equipping their workspaces for enhanced productivity, Konga Tech Month provides a one-stop destination for quality, affordability, and convenience.
A key highlight of this year’s campaign is the prominent participation of Starlink as a focal partner. In a significant development for Nigeria’s connectivity landscape, Starlink has designated Konga as its authorized support centre, enabling customers to access in-person assistance at select Konga retail stores nationwide.
This means that beyond enjoying exclusive discounts on Starlink kits during special campaign phases, customers can now receive expert guidance on purchase decisions, installation, and troubleshooting, bridging the gap between advanced global technology and local accessibility. This initiative reinforces Konga’s commitment to delivering not just products, but end-to-end customer experience and support.
Konga Tech Month is further enhanced by a range of value-driven incentives designed to improve convenience and drive customer satisfaction. Shoppers who purchase from the official stores of Samsung and LG on Konga will enjoy free delivery, reinforcing the platform’s promise of affordability without hidden costs.
In addition, Konga’s same-day delivery service, KongaNow, ensures that customers can receive their orders within hours, eliminating the delays typically associated with e-commerce transactions. This capability is particularly beneficial for urgent purchases, enabling users to access essential tech products exactly when they need them.
To maximise the benefits of the campaign, customers are encouraged to download the Konga mobile app, available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. App users gain access to exclusive app-only deals, including free shipping on select offers, as well as early notifications on flash sales and limited-time promotions.
Beyond the immediate consumer benefits, Konga Tech Month plays a strategic role in advancing digital adoption across Nigeria. As businesses and individuals increasingly rely on technology for communication, education, and productivity, access to affordable and reliable devices becomes essential.
By partnering directly with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Konga ensures that customers receive 100% authentic products, eliminating concerns around quality and reliability. This direct sourcing model not only strengthens consumer trust but also supports long-term brand loyalty.
Furthermore, the campaign aligns with broader economic goals by facilitating access to tools that drive efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness in various sectors. From small businesses seeking to digitise operations to students investing in learning tools, Tech Month provides practical solutions that empower users to thrive in a technology-driven world.
To fully capitalise on the opportunities presented by Konga Tech Month, customers are advised to stay actively engaged with the platform. Following Konga’s official social media channels and enabling notifications ensures real-time access to flash sales and exclusive discount phases.
As the campaign unfolds throughout May, shoppers can expect continuous updates, surprise deals, and enhanced offerings designed to deliver maximum value.
Konga Tech Month is more than a promotional event; it is a strategic initiative that underscores Konga’s leadership in Nigeria’s e-commerce and technology retail space. By combining competitive pricing, global brand partnerships, seamless logistics, and customer-centric innovations, Konga continues to redefine how Nigerians access and experience technology.
As the digital economy expands, initiatives like Tech Month serve as critical enablers, ensuring that consumers are not only connected but also equipped with the tools needed to succeed.
For shoppers across the country, the message is clear: this May, the smartest way to upgrade your digital life is through Konga Tech Month.
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