By Abiola Olawale
The average cost of a healthy diet in Nigeria has increased astronomically to an all-time high, reaching N1,265 in July 2024, a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed.
The NBS, in this insightful report, revealed that the cost of a healthy diet (CoHD) in July 2024 rose by 1.9% higher compared to the official figure of June 2023, which stood at N1,241.
Further breakdown of the report revealed that the average CoHD was highest in the South West at N1,581 per adult per day, compared to N956 per adult per day in North West.
While reviewing data on the basis of State by state, Ekiti, Ogun, and Osun states recorded the highest cost of a healthy diet in the country at N1,632, N1,612, and N1,611, respectively. On the other hand, Katsina, Adamawa, and Sokoto had the lowest costs, with N884, N914, and N927, respectively.
At the zonal level, the Southwest Zone had the highest average Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD), at N1,581 per day, closely followed by the South-South Zone at N1,487 per day. The lowest average CoHD was observed in the Northwest Zone, where it stood at N956 per day.
The report also stated that animal-sourced foods were the most expensive food group in July, accounting for 36 per cent of the total CoHD to provide 13 per cent of the total calories.
The report reads in part: “Fruits and vegetables were the most expensive food groups in terms of price per calorie; they accounted for 10% and 17%, respectively, of total CoHD while providing only 7% and 5% of total calories in the Healthy Diet Basket.
“Legumes, Nuts and Seeds were the least-expensive food group on average, at 7% of the total cost.”
