The cost of maintaining a healthy diet in Nigeria continues to rise, as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported a 27.3 percent year-on-year increase in the Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD). According to the latest CoHD report released by the NBS, the national average cost climbed to N1,611 per adult per day in July 2025, up from N1,265 recorded in July 2024. This sharp rise highlights the growing pressure on household food budgets across the country as food inflation remains a major concern.
In its detailed breakdown, the NBS stated that the national average CoHD stood at N1,611 per adult per day, reflecting the amount required to meet basic nutritional needs using the least expensive combination of locally available foods. The report shows wide variations across states and geopolitical zones, further revealing the differences in food affordability nationwide.
Data from the report shows that Ekiti State recorded the highest Cost of a Healthy Diet at N2,663, followed by Bayelsa State at N2,352 and Imo State at N2,235. These states remain some of the most expensive places in Nigeria for individuals trying to maintain balanced and healthy diets. On the other hand, Gombe State reported the lowest CoHD at N985, followed by Katsina (N1,147) and Yobe (N1,180). The figures suggest that some northern states still offer relatively lower food prices, despite economic pressures.
At the regional level, the South-West Zone continued to lead as the most expensive region, with a zonal average CoHD of N2,030 per day. The South-East followed closely with N1,862 per day, showing rising food costs in the region. The North-East Zone recorded the lowest average at N1,341 per day, reflecting generally lower food prices in the region compared to the southern zones.
The NBS also analysed food groups contributing to the rising cost. According to the bureau, animal-source foods remained the most expensive food group, accounting for 32 percent of the total CoHD while contributing only 13 percent of total calories. This means Nigerians are paying significantly more for protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs.
Fruits and vegetables also ranked high in cost when measured by price per calorie. They accounted for 16 percent and 14 percent of total CoHD, respectively, while providing only 7 percent and 5 percent of total calories. This makes them some of the most expensive food categories for households struggling to meet nutritional standards.
Meanwhile, legumes, nuts and seeds were the least expensive food group, representing only 7 percent of the total CoHD. These items continue to serve as cheaper protein alternatives for many Nigerian families.
A review of the 2025 CoHD trend shows significant fluctuations over several months. The year started with a slight increase as the cost rose by 1.3 percent to N1,346 in February, up from N1,328 in January. In March, the CoHD rose sharply by 11.2 percent to N1,498, and in April, it climbed again by 6.6 percent to N1,598.
However, the upward trend temporarily reversed in May 2025 when the cost dropped by 7.1 percent to N1,484. The NBS explained that the decline was driven by lower prices of oils and fats, starchy staples, vegetables and fruits. This drop was partially reduced by higher prices in legumes, nuts, seeds and animal-source foods.
The relief was short-lived as prices rose again in June, with the CoHD increasing by 2.02 percent to N1,514, and further by 6.4 percent to N1,611 in July 2025. The NBS linked the July increase mainly to higher prices of legumes, nuts and seeds, animal-source foods, vegetables and fruits. However, the bureau noted that the starchy staples food group recorded a decline during the period, offering slight relief in some categories.
The rising Cost of a Healthy Diet has become a major concern for nutrition experts and policymakers, as more households struggle to afford balanced meals. With food prices continuing to fluctuate and incomes not rising at the same pace, many Nigerians face increasing difficulty meeting their daily nutritional requirements.
