The escalating expenses associated with maintaining a healthy diet have become a pressing issue for many Nigerians, as revealed by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in their most recent report. As of August 2024, the average daily cost of a healthy diet stood at N1,255 per adult, marking a significant 28% rise from N982 in March 2024. The NBS collects retail food prices from over 10,000 outlets across the country on a monthly basis, focusing on more than 200 food items to track inflation trends. This dramatic increase in the cost of healthy eating underscores the challenges many Nigerians face in securing nutritious food amidst rising living expenses.
The report emphasizes that animal source foods constitute the most costly segment of a healthy diet, accounting for 37% of total costs while only providing 13% of caloric intake. This discrepancy raises concerns regarding the economic viability of achieving balanced nutrition through the consumption of higher-priced protein sources. State-level data reveals stark variances in the costs of maintaining a healthy diet across Nigeria. Ogun, Lagos, and Rivers states emerged as the most expensive regions, with daily costs reaching N1,641, N1,615, and N1,572, respectively. In contrast, northern states like Katsina, Kaduna, and Sokoto reported the lowest expenditures, at N880, N951, and N980 per day, revealing a significant divide in access to affordable and nutritious food options.
At the zonal level, the South West zone had the highest average daily cost at N1,554, followed closely by the South-South zone at N1,381. In particular, the North West zone reported the lowest average daily cost for a healthy diet at N1,041. Regional disparities reflect varying economic conditions, agricultural outputs, and consumer behaviors that influence food prices across Nigeria, making it difficult for all citizens to access an adequate and balanced diet. Such inequalities can have detrimental impacts on public health, as populations in lower-cost areas may struggle with malnutrition despite having access to a range of food options.
The increase in prices for key food groups has been identified as a major contributor to the rising costs of healthy diets. Core components such as legumes, nuts, seeds, starchy staples, and vegetables have driven the financial burden of achieving nutritional requirements. Interestingly, despite observing a 28% increase over six months, there was a slight reduction of 0.8% in costs compared to July 2024, when the daily cost was recorded at N1,265. Furthermore, the NBS noted a noteworthy decline in vegetable prices, dropping by 14.5% month-to-month in August, signaling a potential area of relief for consumers struggling with rising food costs.
Despite these minor fluctuations, experts express concern that as food prices continue to escalate, an increasing number of Nigerians will encounter difficulties in accessing nutritious meals. This situation poses significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations and low-income families who may resort to cheaper, less nutritious alternatives to meet their dietary needs. The NBS report indicates that the cost of a healthy diet has surged at a quicker pace than overall consumer prices in Nigeria, exacerbating the affordability crisis for essential food items. This anomaly draws attention to the urgent need for policies aimed at stabilizing food prices and ensuring equitable access to healthier options for all citizens.
In conclusion, the findings from the NBS report paint a troubling picture of food affordability and access in Nigeria. As the cost of maintaining a healthy diet continues to rise, disparities in costs across states and regions reveal significant challenges in achieving nutritional equity. The reliance on expensive animal sources and staple foods highlights the struggle many face to gain adequate nutrition, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. Addressing these issues will require concerted efforts from the government, civil society, and agricultural stakeholders to enhance food production, distribution, and pricing strategies that can effectively alleviate the current pressures on Nigerian households seeking to maintain their health through proper nutrition.
