Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Drops to 16.05% in October 2025 – NBS Report

By: Abudu Olalekan

Okay, let’s talk about this inflation thing. Nigeria’s inflation rate just slipped down again. Yes, really. It’s now sitting at 16.05% for October 2025. You heard that right. Six months back, we were all sweating over numbers that made our wallets cry. Now? Well, it’s like the heat turned down a notch.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says so. And honestly? It’s a relief. September saw 18.02%. That’s a whole 1.97% drop in just one month. Seven months straight this has been happening. Seven. Not a typo. Seven months of slowly but surely getting better.

They announced it on Monday. Via X – you know, that platform we used to call Twitter. The NBS handle posted it like it’s no big deal. But for anyone who’s been to the market lately? It’s huge. Imagine buying that bag of rice and actually feeling like you didn’t just sell a kidney for it. Okay, maybe not that dramatic. But still.

Here’s the thing though. The year-on-year drop is sweet. But month-on-month? It actually went up by 0.93%. Yep. That’s the tricky part. Prices aren’t exactly falling off a cliff. They’re just… tiptoeing down. Like a shy kid at a party. You get close, and it steps back a bit. Still, progress is progress. Right?

The NBS says they’ll break it down further. Food inflation, core stuff, urban vs. rural – all that jazz. But let’s be real. Most of us just want to know: can I afford that extra bowl of kenken this week? Maybe.

You see, this isn’t just numbers on a screen. It’s about real people. Like Ada in Lagos who sells phone chargers. She’s been watching her sales dip when prices rise. Or Umar in Kano who farms maize and struggles when seeds get too pricey. For them, every percentage point matters. A lot.

So what’s causing this drop? Well, the NBS didn’t spill all the beans. But insiders say it’s a mix of things. Maybe the government’s policies are finally kicking in. Or maybe it’s just seasonal – you know, harvest time brings some relief. Either way, it’s happening.

But don’t get too comfy. Inflation’s still high. 16% isn’t exactly “pocket change.” It means your naira still buys less than it did last year. Groceries? Still sting. Transport? Still hurts. But hey, it’s better than 18%. Small wins, people.

The report also hints at something else. Policymakers are watching closely. Like nervous parents over a toddler. Every data point gets a second look. Every trend gets a debate. They’re trying to balance that delicate line between growth and stability. Not easy. But someone’s gotta do it.

Now, let’s talk about what this means for you and me. If you’re saving up for that new phone? Maybe wait a bit. Prices might drop more. Planning a small party? Maybe stretch the budget a tad more. The math’s getting kinder. Slowly.

And about that URL? Just head to reportersroom.com.ng/nigeria-inflation-1605. Short and sweet. No fancy fluff.

Back to the story though. There’s a reason this matters beyond the spreadsheet. Think about that moto guy who charges you 200 naira for a ride. His fuel costs just eased a bit. Or that bakery that finally stopped hiking bread prices. These aren’t abstract numbers. They’re life.

Still, let’s not pretend it’s all rainbows. Some sectors are lagging. Core inflation – that’s stuff like services and housing – might still be stubborn. Food prices? They’re better but still volatile. One bad harvest and boom, we’re back to square one.

So where do we go from here? The NBS says they’ll keep tracking. The government says they’re “committed.” We’ll see. But for now, let’s just appreciate the dip. It’s like finding a 500 naira note in that old jacket pocket. Small. But nice.

In the end, this report does one thing well: it gives hope. Not the loud, flashy kind. But the quiet type that says “maybe next month will be better.” And in a country where prices often feel like a rollercoaster, that’s saying something.

So keep watching those numbers. They tell a story. And right now? The story’s getting better. Little by little. Step by step. We’re not there yet. But we’re closer.

Just remember: don’t spend that relief money too fast. Prices can turn on a dime. But for today? Let’s smile a bit. Nigeria’s inflation is down. Again. And that’s worth something.