Cost Of Healthy Diet In Nigeria Rises By 28 Per Cent In 6 Months, NBS Reports

The cost of eating a healthy diet in Nigeria went up by 28 per cent in just six months, according to a National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report. In August 2024, the average daily cost for one adult was N1,255, compared to N982 in March 2024.

Animal-based foods were the priciest, making up 37 per cent of the total diet cost but only providing 13 per cent of the calories.

The price of a healthy diet varies by region. The report noted that Ogun, Lagos, and Rivers States had the highest daily costs at N1,641, N1,615, and N1,572. In contrast, Katsina, Kaduna, and Sokoto had the lowest costs, with N880, N951, and N980 per day. On average, the South West was the most expensive region, while the North West was the least.

According to the report, the price hikes were mostly due to rising costs of food groups like legumes, nuts, seeds, starchy foods, and vegetables. However, there was a slight decrease of 0.8 per cent from July to August 2024. Vegetable prices also fell by 14.5 per cent in August.

Even though there was a slight drop in August, the overall cost of a healthy diet has risen significantly over the last six months, making it harder for Nigerians to afford nutritious meals.

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