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Cost of a healthy diet in Nigeria
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The cost of maintaining a healthy diet in Nigeria increased to N1,589 per adult per day in April 2026, as rising food prices continued to strain household budgets. The NBS said Ekiti recorded the highest daily cost, while Adamawa remained the most affordable state.
The average cost of maintaining a healthy diet in Nigeria rose again in April 2026, as higher prices across most food groups stretched food budgets of many households.
According to the latest Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), an adult now needs an average of N1,589 per day to afford a healthy diet.
That is a 3.12% increase from N1,541 recorded in March and 4.74% higher than the N1,518 reported in April 2025.
The latest increase adds to the steady growth in the cost of nutritious food since the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023.
During that period, the daily cost has increased by more than 119%. The NBS said almost every food group recorded higher prices in April, except starchy staples, which declined slightly.
Even so, the overall cost of eating a balanced diet did not stop increasing.
Among the states, Ekiti recorded the highest average daily cost at N2,036, followed by Imo at N2,018 and Bayelsa at N1,909.
At the other end of the scale, Adamawa was the least expensive state at N1,143, while the Federal Capital Territory and Akwa Ibom followed at N1,278 and N1,314, respectively.
Regional figures also showed wide differences, with the South-East posting the highest average daily cost at N1,830, ahead of the South-West at N1,753. The North-East recorded the lowest regional average at N1,415.
Animal-source foods was the biggest contributor to the cost of a healthy diet. They accounted for 40% of total spending while supplying only 13% of daily calorie needs.
Fruits made up 16% of the total cost but contributed 7% of calories, while vegetables accounted for 14% of spending despite providing just 5% of calorie requirements.
The report also showed that although the prices of starchy staples, oils and fats fell over the past year, increases across other food groups more than offset those declines.
Looking at the least expensive food choices across the country, Beans White was the cheapest option in the legumes, nuts and seeds category in 65% of state sectors.
Palm Oil was the most affordable item in the oils and fats group in 62% of state sectors. For starchy staples, Garri White and White Maize Grains were the least expensive choices, each accounting for 32% of selections across states.
The NBS noted that while some food items consistently ranked among the cheapest options in different parts of the country, price differences across states meant the overall cost of a healthy diet varied significantly.
The Cost of a Healthy Diet measures the minimum amount needed to meet recommended daily nutritional requirements using foods that are available locally. It identifies the least expensive combination of foods that provides enough energy and nutrients for a healthy diet.
The indicator is widely used to assess food affordability and monitor how changing food prices affect households.
Families are spending more of their income on food, making balanced and nutritious meals harder to afford, especially for low-income households.
The report follows earlier findings that Adamawa was one of Nigeria’s most affordable states for food after recording the lowest prices for more staple food items than any other state in May 2026.
