Food Crisis: Cost of healthy diet rises further — NBS Report

By Elizabeth Adegbesan

Although the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has reported a decrease in the inflation rate, the financial strain related to food for Nigerian families may have worsened, with the national average Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) rising to N1,541 per adult daily in March 2026, marking an increase of approximately 4.4 percent from N1,477 in March 2025.

The Bureau indicated that inflation rates had shown a consistent decline up to February 2026, although this trend saw a slight reversal during March and April.

In terms of month-to-month changes, prices for healthy foods increased by 1.89 percent compared to February 2026.

Nevertheless, NBS pointed out that this rise in CoHD was influenced by increases in prices across nearly all fundamental food categories.

It mentioned: “The national average Cost of a Healthy Diet stood at N1,541 per adult daily in March 2026.

“Comparing to February 2026, the cost experienced a month-on-month increase of 1.89 percent (N1,513).

“This hike was primarily fueled by rising prices in all food categories.”

The data in the report highlighted significant regional disparities in food affordability.

States in the southern part of the country faced the greatest financial pressure, while northern areas benefitted from lower prices.

NBS noted: “At the State level, Ekiti, Imo, and Abia States registered the highest costs at N2,091, N2,052, and N1,970 respectively.

“Conversely, Adamawa, the Federal Capital Territory, and Taraba State had the lowest expenses at N1,004, N1,113, and N1,149 respectively.”

Regionally, the South-East was identified as the most costly area at N1,899 per day, with the South-West following closely at N1,801.

The North-East remained the least expensive region, costing N1,233 daily.

The report also indicated that adhering to dietary guidelines regarding animal-derived foods was the most costly aspect.

This segment constituted 39 percent of the total daily expenses but only contributed 13 percent of overall caloric intake.

Budget constraints were also impacted by fruits and vegetables due to their low calorie-to-cost ratio.

Fruits took up 16 percent of the daily budget for a mere 7 percent of caloric yield.

Vegetables accounted for 14 percent of the budget while providing just 5 percent of calories. Legumes, nuts, and seeds emerged as the most budget-friendly option, comprising only 7.0 percent of total expenses.