The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that the cost of a healthy diet in Nigeria has increased by 32% in the past six months, rising from N786 in December 2023 to N1,041 in May 2024.
According to the NBS’ Cost of Healthy Diet (CoHD) report for May 2024, the increase was driven by the rising prices of starchy staples, legumes, nuts and seeds, and animal source foods. The report showed that the CoHD has been steadily increasing over the past six months, with a 9.2% month-on-month increase in January 2024, followed by subsequent increases in February, March, April, and May.
The NBS noted that animal source foods were the most expensive food group, accounting for 36% of the total CoHD, while fruits and vegetables were the most expensive in terms of price per calorie. The report also highlighted that the cost of a healthy diet in Nigeria is rising faster than the cost of other food groups.
The report stated: “The national average cost of a healthy diet was N1,041 per adult per day in May 2024. The CoHD has been steadily rising over the past six (6) months, since December 2023.
“In May 2024, the CoHD was 32 percent higher than it was in December 2023 (N786). It was also 1.0 percent higher than the cost in April 2024 (N1,035).
“The main drivers of this increase in CoHD are starchy staples, legumes, nuts and seeds, and animal source foods. Vegetables and fruits, on the other hand, saw the smallest increase in price month-on-month.”
On cost share by food group, NBS said: “Animal source foods were the most expensive food group recommendation to meet in May, accounting for 36 percent of the total CoHD to provide 13 percent of the total calories.
“Fruits and vegetables were the most expensive food groups in terms of price per calorie. They accounted for 11 percent and 12 percent, respectively, of total CoHD, while providing only 7.0 percent and 5.0 percent of total calories in the healthy diet basket.
