The National Average Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) in Nigeria surged to ₦1,241 per day in June 2024, marking a 19.2% increase from the ₦1,041 recorded in May 2024. This rise was highlighted in the latest “Cost Of Healthy Diet” report published by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The CoHD reflects the least expensive combination of locally available items that meet global food-based dietary guidelines, excluding costs for transportation and meal preparation. It serves as a key indicator of both physical and economic access to nutritious diets in the country.
Inflation in Nigeria climbed to 34.19% in June, a slight increase of 0.24% from May 2024. Notably, the CoHD has risen more rapidly than both general and food inflation over recent months.
Regional disparities were evident, with the highest CoHD recorded in the South West Zone at ₦1,545 per adult per day, while the North West Zone had the lowest at ₦956 per day. Ekiti, Ogun, and Osun States led in the highest costs at ₦1,640, ₦1,599, and ₦1,557 respectively, whereas Katsina, Kano, and Jigawa recorded the lowest costs with ₦878, ₦926, and ₦937.
The report also identified animal source foods as the most expensive food group, accounting for 35% of the total CoHD, despite contributing only 13% of the total calories. Fruits and vegetables were also costly, representing 11% and 17% of the total cost while providing minimal caloric intake. In contrast, legumes, nuts, and seeds were the most affordable, making up just 7% of the total cost.
The CoHD has been steadily climbing since January 2024, with June’s cost 45% higher than January’s ₦858 and 19% higher than May’s ₦1,041. The increase has been driven primarily by rising costs of vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and starchy staples.
