Healthy costs rise to N1,589 per day in April as food prices rise, says NBS – THISAGE

By Ayo Kehinde

The average cost of maintaining a healthy diet in Nigeria rose to N1,589 per adult per day in April 2026, reflecting continued increases in food prices across most food groups, according to the latest Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The report showed that the daily cost increased by 3.12% from N1,541 recorded in March and was 4.74% higher than N1,518 reported in April 2025.

The NBS attributed the month-on-month increase to rising prices in almost all food categories, except basic starches.

Ekiti recorded the highest average daily cost of a healthy diet at N2,036, followed by Imo at N2,018 and Bayelsa at N1,909.

Adamawa recorded the lowest cost at N1,143, while the Federal Capital Territory and Akwa Ibom followed with N1,278 and N1,314 respectively.

Regionally, the South East recorded the highest average daily cost of N1,830, ahead of the South West with N1,753. The North East remained the least expensive region, with an average cost of N1,415 per day.

The report finds that animal foods remain the most expensive component of a healthy diet, accounting for 40% of total dietary costs despite contributing only 13% of calorie needs.

Fruits and vegetables accounted for 16% and 14% of total costs, respectively, despite providing relatively small shares of daily calorie needs.

The NBS also identified the least expensive food items commonly selected across states. White beans emerged as the cheapest option in the legumes, nuts and seeds category in 65% of government sectors, while palm oil was the least expensive oil in 62%.

White garri and white maize kernels were the most affordable starchy staple foods, highlighting regional price differences despite their wide availability.

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