Edo, Kogi and Cross River are the top states where food is most expensive in Nigeria, according to the Consumer Price Index report released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday.

The country’s economic challenges have pushed the cost of living to an unprecedented level.

THE WHISTLER had earlier reported that the June headline inflation rose to an all-time high of 34.19 per cent, following a surge in food inflation by 40.87 per cent.

Analysis of the data by THE WHISTLER showed that the inflationary pressure on states was not uniform in the period under review.

According to the report, Edo overtook Kogi State as the most expensive state with food inflation at 47.34 per cent.

Kogi food inflation was put at 46.37 per cent while Cross River, Kwara and Ekiti food inflation stood at 45.28 per cent, 44.57 per cent and 44.50 per cent respectively.

Gombe experienced a significant rise to 43.67 per cent in food inflation while Enugu state joined the list with inflation rates at 43.55 per cent.

Subsequently, food inflation was lowest in Nasarawa state at 29.32 per cent.

The NBS said food inflation on a year-on-year basis was caused by increases in prices of millet whole grain, garri, guinea corn, etc (bread and cereals Class), yam, water yam, coco yam among others.

NBS said, “On a month-on-month basis, the food inflation rate in June 2024 was 2.55 per cent which shows a 0.26 per cent increase compared to the rate recorded in May 2024 (2.28 per cent).”

In May last year, President Tinubu removed fuel subsidies which led to hike in energy cost while the Central Bank of Nigeria floated the currency leading to the depreciation of the currency to N1,560 per dollar.

Also, banditry and kidnapping in the food-producing hub of the country have persisted as farmers for years do not have access to their farmlands.

In some areas, farmers pay fines to bandits to access their farms.