The cost of maintaining a healthy diet in Nigeria increased to N1,541 per adult per day in March 2026, highlighting the growing financial burden on households despite signs of moderating inflation.

This was disclosed in the latest Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which showed that the national average cost rose from N1,513 in February 2026 and N1,477 in March 2025.

The report demonstrates the challenges facing Nigerian households as rising food prices, transportation costs, and fluctuations in agricultural production continue to affect access to nutritious meals across the country.

The NBS report showed that the average cost of a healthy diet increased by 1.89% month-on-month and 4.38% year-on-year to N1,541 per adult per day in March 2026. Significant disparities were recorded across states and geopolitical zones.

• Ekiti State recorded the highest average cost of a healthy diet at N2,091 per adult per day, followed by Imo State at N2,052 and Abia State at N1,970.
• Adamawa State was the most affordable at N1,004 per day, while the Federal Capital Territory and Taraba recorded N1,113 and N1,149 respectively.
• The South-East emerged as the most expensive region with an average cost of N1,899 per day, followed by the South-West at N1,801.
• The North-East recorded the lowest regional average at N1,233 per day.

The data highlights significant regional differences in food affordability, reflecting variations in production capacity, transportation costs, market conditions, and supply chain efficiency.

The report identified that fruits represented 16% of dietary costs but provided just 7% of calorie intake, while vegetables accounted for 14% of costs and 5% of calories. Legumes, nuts and seeds remained the most affordable food group, contributing only 7% of the overall cost of a healthy diet.

The report also showed that white garri remains one of the most affordable staple foods across most parts of the country, while commodities such as white maize grains and dried white shrimps consistently featured among the least-cost food options.

Nairametrics earlier reported that the cost of maintaining a healthy diet in Abuja rose to N300,000 monthly in May 2026.