NBS Report: Cost of a Healthy Diet Continues to Rise Amid Food Crisis

By Elizabeth Adegbesan

Although the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a moderation in the inflation rate, the financial strain on Nigerian households has increased. The national average Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) rose to N1,541 per adult per day in March 2026, a 4.4 percent increase from N1,477 in March 2025.

The Bureau had shown a steady decline in inflation up to February 2026, but the trend reversed slightly in March and April.

Month‑on‑month, prices for nutritious foods climbed by 1.89 percent from February 2026.

According to the NBS, the rise in CoHD was driven by price increases across almost all essential food groups.

It stated: “The national average Cost of a Healthy Diet was N1,541 per adult per day in March 2026.”

“On a month‑on‑month basis, the cost increased by 1.89 percent compared to February 2026 (N1,513).”

“The increase was driven by the rise in prices across all food groups.”

The report highlighted significant geographical disparities in food affordability.

Southern states bear the greatest financial burden, while northern regions experience lower costs.

At the state level, Ekiti, Imo and Abia recorded the highest costs at N2,091, N2,052 and N1,970 respectively.

Adamawa, the Federal Capital Territory and Taraba reported the lowest costs at N1,004, N1,113 and N1,149 respectively.

Zonally, the South‑East was the most expensive region at N1,899 per day, followed closely by the South‑West at N1,801.

The North‑East remained the most affordable zone at N1,233 daily.

The report also showed that meeting dietary guidelines for animal‑source foods was the most costly component.

Animal‑source foods accounted for 39 percent of total daily costs while contributing only 13 percent of total calorie intake.

Fruits and vegetables also strained budgets due to their low calorie‑to‑price ratio.

Fruits consumed 16 percent of the daily budget for a mere 7 percent of calories.

Vegetables consumed 14 percent of the budget while providing only 5 percent of calories.

Legumes, nuts and seeds remained the most economical choice, representing just 7.0 percent of total costs.

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