The cost of maintaining a healthy diet in Nigeria has surged to N1,265 per adult per day, reflecting a 1.9 percent increase in July 2024, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This rise, up from N1,241 in June 2024, highlights the growing financial strain on Nigerians seeking nutritious food options.
The report, which analyzes the Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) across different regions, revealed that the South West recorded the highest average cost at N1,581 per adult per day. In contrast, the North West reported the lowest cost at N956 per adult per day, emphasizing significant regional disparities in food affordability.
The NBS clarified that these figures represent the minimum cost required per adult per day, excluding transportation and meal preparation expenses. The data further indicated that the CoHD has been increasing at a faster rate than both general inflation and food inflation, which stood at 33.40 percent and 39.53 percent, respectively, in July 2024.
This trend underscores the mounting challenges faced by Nigerians as they grapple with rising food prices amidst an already high inflationary environment. The escalating cost of a healthy diet could have serious implications for public health, particularly for low-income families who may find it increasingly difficult to afford balanced meals.
