The average cost of a healthy diet in Nigeria has climbed to N1,541 per adult per day, placing additional strain on households amid easing inflation. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed a 4.38% year-on-year increase from N1,477 in March 2025. Month-on-month, the cost rose 1.89% from N1,513 in February 2026.
Regional Disparities in Healthy Diet Costs
The report highlighted significant regional variations, with southern states recording the highest costs. Ekiti State topped the list at N2,091 per adult per day, followed by Imo at N2,052 and Abia at N1,970. Other expensive states include Lagos (N1,910), Ebonyi (N1,891), Bayelsa (N1,877), Enugu (N1,817), Osun (N1,809), Anambra (N1,764), and Ondo (N1,736). All these states exceeded the national average of N1,541.
Conversely, Adamawa State recorded the lowest average healthy diet cost at N1,004 per adult per day, followed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at N1,113 and Taraba at N1,149. Regionally, the South-East had the highest average cost at N1,899 per day, while the South-West averaged N1,801, and the North-East recorded the lowest at N1,233.
Food Group Contributions
Animal-source foods remain the most expensive component, accounting for 39% of the total healthy diet cost but only 13% of caloric intake. Fruits and vegetables contributed 16% and 14% to costs, respectively, while legumes, nuts, and seeds were the cheapest at 7%. Year-on-year, prices of starchy staples and vegetables declined, but most other food groups increased, driving up the overall healthy diet cost.
The NBS noted that Ekiti Urban and Adamawa Rural were the most and least expensive regions nationwide, with costs of N2,288 and N979 per adult per day, respectively. Affordable locally sourced foods include white maize grains, white beans, dried white shrimps, palm oil, and garri.
Top Ten Most Expensive States for a Healthy Diet (March 2026)
- Ekiti – N2,091
- Imo – N2,052
- Abia – N1,970
- Lagos – N1,910
- Ebonyi – N1,891
- Bayelsa – N1,877
- Enugu – N1,817
- Osun – N1,809
- Anambra – N1,764
- Ondo – N1,736
In related news, the Nigerian Customs Service has released a list of food items banned from importation in 2026, including live or dead birds, frozen poultry, pork, and beef. These items will be seized at airports, land borders, and ports.
