Nigeria's April Inflation Rises to 15.69% — Economists Say CBN Rate Hold Offers 'Zero Relief'

New data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) confirmed Nigeria's headline inflation rose from 15.38% in March 2026 to 15.69% in April 2026, with food inflation at 16.06% — breaking two consecutive months of decline and raising questions about the sustainability of the disinflation trend. Economists responding to the CBN's decision to hold its Monetary Policy Rate at 26.5% the previous day were largely critical. Multiple analysts told Daily Post Nigeria that the combination of higher inflation and unchanged ultra-high interest rates provided 'zero relief' for ordinary Nigerians still grappling with elevated food, fuel, and transport prices in the wake of the 2023 subsidy removal. NLC President Joe Ajaero reiterated demands for a minimum wage increase to ₦154,000, stating the current ₦70,000 minimum wage was 'a nostalgic relic' against rising prices. The naira continued to trade at approximately ₦1,373–1,400/$ — stable compared to the 2024 peak of ₦1,600+ but far below the pre-2023 level of ₦460/$.