Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased slightly to 15.06% in February 2026, down from 15.10% in January 2026, according to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Although the decline is marginal, it signals a modest stabilization in overall price pressures across the country.
However, national averages do not fully reflect the reality experienced by households.
Cost-of-living conditions vary significantly from state to state due to differences in security situations, supply chains, transportation costs, agricultural output, and market dynamics. In some states, inflationary pressures remain elevated, while others are experiencing relatively lower price increases.
Based on state-level headline inflation data for February 2026, the following are the Top 10 most affordable states to live in, ranked by the lowest headline inflation rates and supported by food inflation figures, which directly impact household spending.
Zamfara records a headline inflation rate of 12.29%, placing it among the lower rates in the country. However, food inflation remains high at 16.7%, reflecting ongoing pressure on essential commodities despite overall price moderation.
In March 2026, the Zamfara State Government, under Governor Dauda Lawal, directed an immediate halt to cash revenue collection across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). The move aims to curb leakages, strengthen digital payment systems, and ensure greater transparency in revenue generation.
The state also launched its 2026 Ramadan food distribution program, targeting 50,000 vulnerable households with essential staples such as rice, beans, sugar, and maize, to ease the economic burden on families during the festive period.
Zamfara’s approved 2026 budget, titled the “Budget of Stability and Growth,” emphasizes capital expenditure, which accounts for 83% of the total allocation. This focus is intended to drive infrastructure development, expand agricultural productivity, and create jobs, while keeping recurrent expenditure at 17% to reduce waste and improve fiscal efficiency.
