The report indicates that Zamfara’s headline inflation declined to 11.8%, down from 12.8% the previous month, representing a one-point fall. More striking was the steep drop in food inflation, which fell by 11.4 percentage points, from 14.7% to 3.3%. This sharp reduction points to improved food supply across the state alongside relative stability in non-food costs.
Analysts attribute Zamfara’s strong performance to increased agricultural output and improved distribution networks, particularly for grains and staple foods. Recent bumper harvests, targeted interventions, and stronger market linkages have helped keep prices stable.
By contrast, Yobe, which had dominated the affordability index for several months, slipped to second place due to modest increases in food and transport costs. While still among the top-performing states, Yobe could not match Zamfara’s remarkable turnaround.
For households in Zamfara, the development is a welcome relief. Surveys indicate that prices of essentials such as maize, rice, millet, and beans have stabilized, while non-food items like clothing and transport remain relatively affordable compared to national averages.
Policy experts believe Zamfara’s progress offers useful lessons for states struggling with inflation, particularly those weighed down by food insecurity and weak logistics. If sustained, Zamfara could retain its lead in the coming months and serve as a model for agriculture-driven inflation control.
The data also reflects a broader national picture, with Nigeria’s overall inflation easing for the fifth consecutive month. Still, disparities remain wide, with some states battling persistent double-digit surges in food prices.
Zamfara’s agricultural push appears central to its performance. Recently, the state government launched the distribution of fertiliser and farm inputs to more than 59,000 smallholder farmers. The package included rice and maize seeds, herbicides, insecticides, and seed-dressing chemicals.
The governor described agriculture as the lifeblood of Zamfara’s economy, noting that over 85% of residents depend on farming for survival. Despite climate change risks and an unpredictable rainy season, he pledged to strengthen the state’s agricultural value chain to secure food supply and stabilize prices.