Food and non‑alcoholic beverages remain the dominant driver of inflation, accounting for roughly 52 per cent of the CPI basket. Housing and utilities add another 17 per cent; transport, clothing and household equipment make up much of the rest. These essentials consume most household incomes, especially for the poor, and food inflation continues to climb. The removal of petrol subsidy, even if arguably necessary, sharply increased transport costs. Abuja’s high inflation reflects rapid urbanisation, soaring rents, expensive utilities, and rising service costs, all of which are intensifying inflation despite relatively higher incomes.