Cost of healthy diet rises to N1,589 per day in April, says NBS
By Aboki Forex —
The average cost of eating healthy in Nigeria climbed to N1,589 per adult per day in April 2026. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released this figure in its latest Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) report.
The cost rose 3.12 percent month-on-month from N1,541 in March 2026. It was also 4.74 percent higher than the N1,518 recorded in April 2025. The NBS said the monthly increase was driven by higher prices across nearly all food categories, except starchy staples.
Ekiti, Imo and Bayelsa recorded the highest daily cost of a healthy diet. Ekiti topped the list at N2,036 per day. Imo followed at N2,018 and Bayelsa at N1,909. Adamawa had the lowest cost at N1,143. The Federal Capital Territory came next at N1,278 and Akwa Ibom at N1,314.
At the zonal level, the South-East had the highest average cost at N1,830 per day. The South-West followed at N1,753. The North-East posted the lowest average at N1,415.
Animal source foods remained the most expensive part of a healthy diet. They accounted for 40 percent of the total cost but provided only 13 percent of daily calorie needs. Fruits made up 16 percent of the cost and vegetables 14 percent, even though they contributed just 7 percent and 5 percent of total calories respectively.
The report noted that prices of starchy staples and oils and fats fell over the past year. However, all other food groups recorded price increases, pushing up the overall cost of a healthy diet.
Beans White was the cheapest item in the Legumes, Nuts and Seeds food group in 65 percent of state sectors. Palm Oil was the most affordable in the Oils and Fats category in 62 percent of state sectors. Garri White and Maize White Grains were the least expensive starchy staples, each chosen as the most affordable in 32 percent of states.