Regional Disparities in the Cost of Healthy Food
Ekiti, Imo, and Abia states have emerged as the most expensive locations in Nigeria for maintaining a healthy diet, reflecting ongoing challenges in food affordability and nutrition across the nation.
Rising Costs Highlight Ongoing Nutritional Challenges
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the national average cost of sustaining a healthy diet reached N1,541 per adult daily in March 2026, a 1.89 percent increase from February’s N1,513. These trends underscore the mounting pressure on households as the journey towards balanced nutrition becomes increasingly expensive.
Cost of a Healthy Diet Report Reveals Disturbing Trends
The data, part of the Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) report for March 2026, reveals that regional disparities persist throughout the country. The South East zone recorded the highest average CoHD at N1,899 per day, closely followed by the South West at N1,801. In contrast, the North East had the lowest average CoHD, at just N1,233 per day.
Yearly Increases and Contributing Factors
Notably, the CoHD rose steadily, with a year-on-year increase of 4.38 percent from N1,477 in March 2025. This climb is largely attributed to rising prices across key food groups vital for a nutritious diet.
Analyzing the Components of a Healthy Diet
The report highlights that animal-based foods constituted the most significant share of the healthy diet’s cost, making up 39 percent of the total while only providing 13 percent of total caloric intake. Similarly, fruits and vegetables posed a high cost relative to their caloric contribution, accounting for 16 percent and 14 percent of total expenditures, respectively, yet providing only 7 percent and 5 percent of total calories. On the other hand, legumes, nuts, and seeds were identified as the most affordable food group, averaging only 7 percent of the total costs.
Implications for Food Policy and Security
The escalating cost of healthy diets holds significant implications for food security, nutrition planning, agricultural policy, and social protection initiatives. This statistical data can guide policymakers in pinpointing supply chain bottlenecks in essential food groups, enabling targeted actions to enhance food production, improve market access, and make nutritious food more affordable for vulnerable households.
State-Level Insights on Dietary Expenses
Regarding state-level expenditures, Ekiti, Imo, and Abia reported the highest costs, at N2,091, N2,052, and N1,970 respectively. In stark contrast, Adamawa, the Federal Capital Territory, and Taraba had the lowest costs, with figures standing at N1,004, N1,113, and N1,149 respectively. This data provides a comprehensive picture of nutritional expenses across Nigeria, underscoring the need for strategic approaches to combat food insecurity.
