Healthy Diet Cost in Nigeria Hits N1,513 in February 2026

In February 2026, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the average daily cost of maintaining a healthy diet in Nigeria reached N1,513 per adult, a 12.4% increase compared to N1,346 in February 2025. This figure also represents a rise from N1,458 recorded in January 2026, underscoring the persistent pressures on household incomes due to rising food prices nationwide.

The cost of a healthy diet is measured by the least expensive combination of locally available foods that can meet international nutritional requirements for adults per day, excluding transport and cooking costs. The report indicates significant regional disparities in food costs, with urban Ekiti recording the cheapest legume option, white beans, while rural Borno offers shrimp as the most affordable protein source.

The report attributes the rising food inflation to high transport costs, insecurity in farming communities, currency depreciation, and supply chain disruptions.