Healthy diet costs surge to N1,589 amid rising food inflation

The cost of maintaining a nutritious diet has become increasingly burdensome for the average Nigerian household. According to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the national average Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) reached N1,589 per adult per day in March.

This figure represents a 4.74 per cent increase compared with April 2025, rising from N1,518. The month-on-month surge was primarily driven by price escalations across nearly all food groups, with the notable exception of starchy staples.

Regional Disparities in Food Affordability

The report highlighted significant regional variations in the cost of healthy eating. The South East recorded the highest average daily cost at N1,830 per adult, followed by the South West at N1,753. Conversely, the North East reported the lowest average cost at N1,415.

At the state level, Ekiti emerged as the most expensive, with a healthy diet costing N2,036 per adult per day, followed by Imo at N2,018 and Bayelsa at N1,909. In contrast, the most affordable options were found in Adamawa (N1,143), the Federal Capital Territory (N1,278), and Akwa Ibom (N1,314).

Composition and Drivers of Food Costs

The NBS defines the Cost of a Healthy Diet as the least expensive combination of locally available foods that meets internationally recognised healthy eating recommendations. It serves as a global benchmark for measuring a household’s physical and economic access to nutrition.

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Animal source foods remain the most significant contributor to the total cost, accounting for 40 percent of the daily expenditure while providing only 13 percent of required calories. Fruits and vegetables also contribute disproportionately to the cost relative to their caloric value.

Year-on-year, prices for animal source foods rose by 35.36 percent—the highest increase among all categories. While legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables also experienced price hikes, starchy staples and oils recorded annual declines.