Cost of Healthy Diet in Nigeria Hits N1,541 Daily

According to a report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the average cost of a healthy diet in Nigeria increased to N1,541 per adult per day in March 2026. This marks a rise from N1,513 in February 2026 and N1,477 in March 2025.

The report indicates that Nigerian households are facing significant financial burdens due to rising food prices and transport costs, which are affecting access to nutritious meals across the country. The average cost of a healthy diet has risen by 1.89% month-on-month and 4.38% year-on-year.

The report also highlights regional disparities in food affordability, influenced by variations in product availability, transport costs, and market conditions. Animal sources of food are identified as the most expensive components of a healthy diet, despite contributing a small proportion of daily caloric intake.

Garri remains an affordable staple in many parts of the country, while white maize grain and dried white shrimp are among the least costly food options. Recent data shows Nigeria's headline inflation rate increased to 15.69% in April 2026, with food inflation at 16.06% year-on-year.