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Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Increases To 21.09%

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increased to 21.09per cent on a year-on-year basis in October, 2022.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate stood at 20.77per cent on a year-on-year basis in September, 2022.
The NBS made this known via its Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report for October released on Wednesday.
According to the report, the figure is 5.09per cent points higher compared to 15.99per cent recorded in October, 2021.
“This shows that the general price level for the headline inflation rate increased in October, 2022 when compared to the same month in the preceding year.
“Meaning that in October, 2022, the general price level was 5.09per cent higher relative to October, 2021,” it said.
According to the report, factors responsible for the increase in annual inflation rate include disruption in the supply of food products.
It said other factors were increased in import cost due to the persistent currency depreciation and a general increase in the cost of production such as the increase in energy cost.
The report said on a month-on-month basis, the Headline inflation rate in October, 2022 was 1.24per cent, which was 0.11per cent lower than the rate recorded in September, 2022 at 1.36per cent.
“This means that in October, 2022, the general price level for the headline inflation rate on a month–on–month basis declined by 0.11per cent,” the report.
According to the report, the factor responsible for the decline in the monthly inflation rate is a decline in the current month’s food index relative to the reference month index, which is due to the harvest season.
The report said the percentage change in the average CPI for the 12 months ending October, 2022 over the average of the CPI for the previous 12 months period was 17.86per cent
“This indicates a 0.91per cent increase compared to the 16.96per cent recorded in October, 2021,” the report noted.
It said increases were recorded in all Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP) divisions that yielded the headline index.
The report said the food inflation rate in October, 2022 was 23.72per cent on a year-on-year basis, which was 5.39per cent higher compared to the rate recorded in October, 2021 at 18.34per cent.
“The rise in food inflation is caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, food products, potatoes, yams and other tubers, oil and fat.”
It said on a month-on-month basis, the food inflation rate in October was 1.23per cent, which was a 0.21per cent decline compared to the rate recorded in September, 2022 at 1.43per cent.
“This decline was attributed to the reduction in prices of some food items like tubers, palm oil, maize, beans, and vegetables.
“The average annual rate of food inflation for the 12-months ending October, 2022 was 19.83per cent , which was a 0.92per cent points decline from the average annual rate of change recorded in October, 2021 at 20.75per cent,” it stated.
The report said on a year-on-year basis in October, 2022, the urban inflation rate was 21.63per cent, which was 5.11per cent higher compared to the 16.52per cent recorded in October, 2021.
“On a month-on-month basis, the urban inflation rate was 1.33per cent in October, 2022, this was a 0.12per cent decline compared toSeptember, 2022 at 1.46per cent,” the report noted.
It said the corresponding 12-month average for the urban inflationrate was 18.38per cent in October, 2022.
“This was 0.85per cent higher compared to the 17.53per cent reported in October, 2021,” it said.
The report said on a year-on-year basis in October, 2022, the rural inflation rate was 20.57per cent, which was 5.09per cent higher compared to the 15.48per cent recorded in October, 2021.
“On a month-on-month basis, the rural inflation rate in October, 2022 was 1.16per cent, which declined by 0.11per cent compared to September, 2022 at 1.27per cent,” it stated.
It said the corresponding 12-month average for the rural inflation rate inOctober, 2022 was 17.38per cent, which was 0.98per cent higher compared to the 16.39per cent recorded in October, 2021.
On states’ profile analysis, the report showed in October, 2022, all items inflation rate on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi at 25.15per cent, followed by Bauchi at 23.45per cent, and Ondo at 23.45per cent.
It, however, said the slowest rise in headline year-on-year inflation was recorded in Plateau at 19.02per cent followed by Borno at 19.31per cent and Nasarawa at 19.39per cent.
The report, however said in October, 2022, all items inflation rate on a month-on-month basis was highest in Abuja at 3.18per cent, followed by Kebbi at 2.80per cent, and Sokoto at 2.57per cent.
“Kwara at -0.14per cent, followed by Kogi at 0.06per cent and Oyo at 0.30per cent recorded the slowest rise on month-on-month inflation,” it added.
The report said food inflation in October, 2022, on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kwara by 30.79per cent, followed by Kogi at 28.74per cent and Imo at 28.64per cent.
“Kaduna at 19.96per cent, followed by Plateau at 20.17per cent and Jigawa at 20.42per cent recorded the slowest rise on year-on-year food inflation,” it said.
It, however, said on a month-on-month basis in October, 2022, food inflation was highest in Sokoto at 3.55per cent followed by Yobe by 3.31per cent and Kebbi at 3.16per cent.
“Kwara at -0.76per cent, followed by Kogi at -0.55per cent and Akwa-Ibom at -0.21per cent recorded the slowest rise on month-on-month inflation,” it noted.
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FG To Seize Retirees’ Property Over Unpaid Housing Loans

The Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board says it has begun the compilation of list of retired civil servants who have defaulted on the full repayment of housing loans obtained.
Head of Information and Public Relations, FGSHLB, Mrs Ngozi Obiechina, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.
Obiechina quoted the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mrs Salamatu Ahmed, as saying that the move was aimed at recovering mortgaged properties from retirees who failed to meet their loan obligations.
Ahmed noted that the decision followed a recent memo issued by Mrs Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to her, the memo reminded public servants of the mandatory requirement to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness to the FGSHLB and MDA Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society as a precondition for retirement.
The Executive Secretary said that the board would take necessary legal steps to repossess properties where applicable, in line with the terms of the loan agreements.
She said this was in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules 021002 (p), issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
“I am directed to bring to your attention the provision of Public Service Rule (PSR) 021002 (p), which mandates all public servants to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness as a prerequisite for retirement.
“The Federal Government will commence the seizure of mortgaged properties belonging to retiring federal public servants who have failed to fully repay housing loans obtained from the board,” she said.
Ahmed explained that the FGSHLB reserves the legal right to repossess any mortgaged property in cases where a public servant exits service without fully repaying the loan.
She reiterated that the directive also applied to already retired officers who were still indebted.
She urged all affected public servants to regularise their loan status and obtain the required clearance certificate without delay.
“The board is currently compiling a list of such retirees, which will be forwarded to relevant regulatory agencies for debt recovery.
“The FGSHLB remains committed to enforcing compliance and ensuring proper loan recovery procedures are followed, “ she added.
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FG Begins Induction For New Permanent Secretaries, Accountant-General

The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
“The expectations are high, and the responsibility is immense. But with commitment and teamwork, we can deliver a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centred public service.
“This final lap of FCSSIP 25 calls for urgency, accountability, and strategic focus. You must translate vision into measurable results,” she stated.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, described the programme as a strategic investment in leadership capacity and institutional effectiveness.
The sessions featured expert-led discussions, simulations, and strategic briefings facilitated by a distinguished faculty, including Engr. Suleiman Adamu, former Minister of Water Resources; Dr. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination; Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice; Alh. Yusuf Addy, retired Federal Director; Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Amb. Mustapha Lawal Suleiman, Mr. Adesola Olusade, and Dr. Ifeoma Anagbogu, all retired Permanent Secretaries.
Participants include Dr. Obi Emeka Vitalis, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, Mr. Danjuma Mohammed Sanusi, Mr. Olusanya Olubunmi, Dr. Keshinro Maryam Ismaila, Dr. Akujobi Chinyere Ijeoma, Dr. Umobong Emanso Okop, Dr. Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanmwen, Mrs. Oyekunle N. Patience, Dr. Kalba U. Danjuma, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Mr. Onwusoro I. Maduka, Dr. Usman Salihu Aminu, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, Mr. Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip, Dr. Anuma N. Ogbonnaya, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu Olaninre, and Mr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, alongside the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi.
The induction programme will feature sessions on public sector leadership, policy delivery, ethics in service, digital transformation, and performance management.
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NNPCL To Undergo Forensic Audit Soon -FG

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has announced that a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will begin soon.
Edun revealed this at the ongoing Nigerian Investor Forum, held alongside the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.
The minister explained that the recent changes in the NNPCL management are part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to clean up and examine the company closely.
While addressing top global investors, including representatives from J.P. Morgan, Edun shared key reforms the government has introduced to revive the economy and restore investor confidence.
He told the investors that the government’s bold economic steps have laid a strong foundation to attract private investment.
He stated, “Our goal is not just to maintain this momentum, but to accelerate it. We are targeting seven per cent annual growth, and we believe the policies we have implemented have laid the groundwork to achieve this.”
Edun highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has rolled out major reforms that are already making a difference.
He added that the Nigerian economy grew by 3.84 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024 and recorded a 3.4 per cent growth for the year.
Edun further stressed the importance of the reforms, describing them as “unprecedented,” adding that, “We said we would do it, and now we have done it. This time, we’re staying the course.”
He pointed out signs of progress such as lower budget deficits, a better trade balance, and a more stable exchange rate.
He also said that the focus is now on growing key sectors, especially agriculture.
According to Edun, agriculture is at the top of the government’s agenda, with the aim of improving food supply and increasing productivity.
“We aim to close the food supply gap, not by importing more, but by enabling domestic producers to scale and innovate,” he said.
On infrastructure, Edun revealed that the government has rolled out 90,000km of fibre optic cable to improve internet access.
He said this move is crucial for supporting young Nigerians and tech startups.
He also noted that 4,000km of roads have been offered for private sector participation, with the first 1,000km already approved for construction.
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