Nigeria’s national average cost of a healthy diet (CoHD) per day has increased by 32% since December 2023, reaching N1,041 per adult per day by May 2024. This figure, up from N786 in December 2023, reflects the rising expenses associated with maintaining a nutritionally adequate diet using locally available foods that align with global dietary guidelines.
The CoHD is a crucial indicator of both physical and economic access to nutritious food in Nigeria. It has been rising faster than general inflation and food inflation, driven primarily by increases in prices of starchy staples, legumes, nuts, seeds, and animal-source foods. In contrast, vegetables and fruits have seen smaller price increments during this period.
Regarding cost distribution by food group, animal-source foods constitute the most expensive category, comprising 36% of the total CoHD despite contributing only 13% of the total calories. Fruits and vegetables, while less calorie-dense, account for 11% and 12% of the CoHD, respectively. Legumes, nuts, and seeds are comparatively less expensive, making up 7% of the total cost.
Regional disparities in the cost of a healthy diet are significant across Nigeria’s geographical zones. The Southeast region records the highest average CoHD at N1,189 per adult per day, while the Northwest has the lowest at N919. States like Ebonyi, Abia, and Anambra have the highest costs within their regions, while Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina offer more affordable options.
Data for this analysis comes from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which collects monthly retail food prices from over 10,000 informants across urban and rural areas. This comprehensive dataset includes prices for over 200 retail food items, with approximately 150 items considered in calculating the CoHD.
Understanding the CoHD metric is vital for addressing food security challenges and guiding policy interventions. Globally monitored by organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank, the CoHD helps determine minimum income requirements for accessing a healthy diet, informs social protection policies, guides agricultural production priorities, and supports nutrition education initiatives tailored to vulnerable populations.
