The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that the average daily cost of maintaining a healthy diet in Nigeria increased to ₦1,589 per adult in April 2026, representing a 3.12 per cent rise from the ₦1,541 recorded in March.
According to the NBS Cost of a Healthy Diet report for April 2026, the increase was driven by rising prices across nearly all food groups, with the exception of starchy staples.
The bureau stated, “The national average Cost of a Healthy Diet was ₦1,589 in April 2026. This shows an increase of 3.12% when compared to the amount recorded in the previous month (March 2026 was ₦1,541).”
The report further noted that the cost of eating a healthy diet grew at a faster pace than both headline inflation and food inflation during the period under review.
According to the NBS, animal-source foods remained the most expensive category, accounting for 40 per cent of the total cost of a healthy diet despite contributing only 13 per cent of the total calorie intake.
It also identified fruits and vegetables as the costliest food groups in terms of price per calorie.
The report stated that fruits accounted for 16 per cent of the total cost of a healthy diet while providing only 7 per cent of the calories, whereas vegetables made up 14 per cent of the cost but contributed just 5 per cent of total calorie intake.
Meanwhile, legumes, nuts and seeds were identified as the least expensive food group, contributing only 7 per cent of the overall cost of a healthy diet.
Ekiti, Imo, Bayelsa Top List Of Most Expensive States
At the state level, Ekiti recorded the highest daily cost of a healthy diet at ₦2,036 per adult, followed by Imo at ₦2,018 and Bayelsa at ₦1,909.
On the other hand, Adamawa had the lowest daily cost at ₦1,143, while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Akwa Ibom recorded ₦1,278 and ₦1,314, respectively.
Regional analysis showed that the South-East had the highest average cost of maintaining a healthy diet at ₦1,830 per adult per day, followed by the South-West with ₦1,753.
The North-East recorded the lowest regional average at ₦1,415 per adult per day.
The latest figures underscore the growing financial burden on households as food prices continue to climb across the country, making it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to afford a balanced and nutritious diet.
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