In September 2025, Anambra State displaced Zamfara to become the most affordable state in Nigeria, recording a headline inflation rate of 9.3%, according to data compiled by Nairametrics. This figure marked a sharp decline from 14.2% in August 2025.
A breakdown of the top 10 most affordable states reveals persistent contrasts across the country:
| Rank | State | Inflation Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anambra | 9.3% | Falls in food and non-food costs contributed to improved affordability |
| 2 | Niger | ~11.8% | Strong performance on core inflation |
| 3 | Bauchi | ~12.4% | One of few northern states in top tier |
| 4 | Enugu | ~12.4% | Slower non-food inflation aided moderation |
| 5 | Sokoto | ~14.0% | Slight dip in food inflation helped |
| 6 | Bayelsa | ~14.8% | Buffer from fuel subsidy support |
| 7 | Ebonyi | ~14.8% | Infrastructure improvements eased costs |
| 8 | Imo | ~15.8% | Slight moderation in housing component |
| 9 | Akwa Ibom | ~16.3% | Energy and transport pressures keep it higher |
| 10 | Jigawa | ~16.3% | Tight agricultural markets weigh |
The ranking is based on year-on-year changes in prices of essential goods and services — states with lower inflation are generally easier to live in from a cost-of-living perspective.
What’s Driving the Shift?
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Digital payments in Anambra’s markets, especially Onitsha Main Market, have cut transaction costs for non-food items.
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The state also invested in boreholes in rural LGAs, helping reduce household water expenses.
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In contrast, states with higher inflation are still grappling with elevated energy, transport, and food costs.
Context & National Picture
National headline inflation eased to 18.02% in September 2025, continuing a downward trend that began in early 2025. While many states are seeing relief, others remain under pressure from structural cost factors.
During the December 2024 holiday season, Lagos alone generated an estimated US$71.6 million in tourism revenue — with hotels contributing roughly $44 million and short-term rentals adding about $13 million.
At the national level, over 1.2 million international arrivals and 3 million domestic trips were recorded in 2023, up 20% from prior years. The tourism sector contributed 3.65% of GDP and supported 1.9 million jobs.
Lagos State officials say they will continue using the Lagos State Tourism Master Plan (2020–2040) as a roadmap for growth, with the aim of boosting total tourism earnings to $5.1 billion by 2040.
Emmanuel Bassey is a Financial Expert that has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry for over 15+ years across different banks in Nigeria
