As the festive season of Christmas approaches in 2023, it’s essential to consider the varying costs of celebrating this joyous time across different states. This year, inflation rates have painted a unique financial landscape, making some states significantly more expensive than others for holiday festivities. 

According to recent economic data, celebrating Christmas in 2023 is expensive as it comes with varying costs across different states. Inflation has significantly impacted these costs, making certain areas notably more expensive. These metrics are crucial in understanding the overall cost of festivities, including meals, decorations, and gifts. With this knowledge, individuals can better plan their holiday spending in these economically challenging times.

The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report indicates that the significant increase is mainly due to soaring food prices. This rise in costs is driven by factors such as increased insecurity in regions producing food, elevated transportation expenses, and flooding, alongside other fundamental contributors.

Kogi

Kogi tops the chart as the most expensive state in Nigeria for the Christmas holidays. With a slight drop in the all-items inflation rate to 33.28% from October’s 34.2%, the food inflation rate surged to 41.29%, a considerable increase from the previous month’s 34.2%. This highlights the significant impact of food costs on overall inflation in Kogi.

Lagos

Lagos emerges as the second most expensive state, with an all-items inflation rate of 32.30%. The food inflation rate stands at 39.0%, showing a slight increase from October’s rate of 31.2%. This shift elevates Lagos from the third most expensive state last month to the second spot in November.

Rivers

Rivers State takes the third spot, reporting an all-items inflation rate of 32.25%, an increase from October’s 31.4%. The food inflation rate also picked up at 40.22%, a notable uptick from October’s 29.3%, indicating growing living expenses, especially related to food.

Oyo

Oyo State, with an all-items inflation rate of 31.35%, is noteworthy for its food inflation rate, which has reduced to 33.3%. This signifies a considerable drop compared to October’s 37.0%.

Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom ranks fifth with a 30.69% inflation rate. The food inflation is particularly high at 37.25%, a significant increase from October’s 31.3%, emphasizing the considerable influence of food costs on the overall price rise.

Bauchi

Bauchi secured the sixth position with an all-items inflation rate of 30.3%, a notable increase from 28.1% in October. Interestingly, food inflation shows a decrease from 27.73% in October to 26.14%, indicating a nuanced trend in the state’s inflation dynamics.

Ogun

Ogun ranks seventh, with an all-item inflation rate of 30.2%, up from October’s 27.7%. The food inflation rate stands at 35.49%, a substantial jump from 31.39% in October, emphasizing the pivotal role of food in driving inflation in the state.

Kwara

Kwara State stands at eighth with an inflation rate of 30.16%. Despite being one of the lower rates among the states listed, it still represents a significant increase from October’s 28.2%. Food inflation in Kwara is particularly striking at 40.72%, much higher than October’s 31.7%.

Kaduna

Kaduna has an inflation rate of 29.79% on items and still not affordable. This is a rise from October’s 27.52%, with food inflation currently standing at 32.63% in Kaduna. This is an increase from the previous rate of 30.46%.

Ondo

Ondo holds the 10th spot, showcasing an all-items inflation rate of 29.7%, a slight uptick from October’s figures of 29.4%. Notably, the food inflation rate surged to 35.49%, marking a substantial increase from 27.7%, highlighting the heightened costs of food items in the state.