The rising cost of a healthy diet in Nigeria underscores the increasing economic pressures facing households. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the average Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) climbed 3.12 percent month-on-month in April, reaching N1,589 per adult per day, up from N1,541 in March 2026. This marks a troubling trend as food inflation continues to strain the budgets of many families.
Stakeholders are alarmed by the implications of these figures. "The increase in the cost of a healthy diet is alarming and reflects broader economic challenges," stated Dr. Amina Bello, a nutritionist and public health advocate. The report highlights that rising food prices are driven by inflation, fuel costs, and supply chain disruptions, which disproportionately affect low-income households.
Looking ahead, if these trends persist, the government may face mounting pressure to implement policies aimed at stabilizing food prices and ensuring access to nutritious meals for all citizens. Without intervention, the gap between the cost of healthy foods and what families can afford may continue to widen, jeopardizing public health outcomes across the nation.
