The Cost of a Healthy Diet in Nigeria: A Growing Concern

The NBS report highlights that the cost of a healthy diet varies across regions, with the South-West and South-East recording the highest costs at N1,198 and N1,140 per adult per day, respectively. In contrast, the North-West region has the lowest cost at N787 per adult per day.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the cost of a healthy diet (CoHD) in Nigeria has continued to rise, with the national average standing at N982 per adult per day in March 2024. This represents a 4.7% increase from the previous month and a 40% increase since October 2023.

The NBS report highlights that the cost of a healthy diet varies across regions, with the South-West and South-East recording the highest costs at N1,198 and N1,140 per adult per day, respectively. In contrast, the North-West region has the lowest cost at N787 per adult per day.

At the state level, Ekiti, Lagos, and Abia have the highest CoHD at N1330, N1249, and N1215, respectively, while Katsina has the lowest at N739.

The report also notes that animal-source foods are the most expensive food group, accounting for 37% of the total CoHD, while fruits and vegetables are the most expensive in terms of price per calorie.

The steady increase in CoHD is a concern, as it has risen faster than general and food inflation in recent months. This highlights the need for stakeholders to collaborate and develop strategies to address access, availability, and affordability of healthy diets, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Future research incorporating income data can help determine the proportion and number of people unable to afford a healthy diet, informing policy decisions to address food insecurity and promote healthy eating.

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