By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The national average Cost of a Healthy Diet rose to N1,541 per adult per day in March 2026.
According to the latest report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday, this shows an increase of 1.89% when compared to the amount recorded in February 2026 (N1,513).
The increase was driven by the rise in prices across all food groups.
According to the report, at the State level, Ekiti, Imo and Abia States recorded the highest cost at N2,091, N2,052, and N1,970 respectively. While Adamawa, Federal Capital Territory and Taraba State accounted for the lowest costs at N1,004, N1,113 and N1,149 respectively.
The report said at the Zonal level, the average CoHD was highest in the South-East Zone at N1,899 per day, followed by South-West Zone at N1,801 per day. While the lowest average Cost of a Healthy diet was recorded in North-east Zone at N1,233 per day.
Cost Share by Food Group
The NBS said, animal Source Foods were the most expensive food group recommendations to meet in March, accounting for 39% of the total to provide 13% of the total calories.
It further disclosed that fruits and vegetables were the most expensive food groups in terms of price per calorie; they accounted for 16% and 14% respectively, of total CoHD while providing only 7% and 5% of total calories in the Healthy Diet Basket.
The report also revealed that legumes, Nuts, and Seeds were the least-expensive food group on average, at 7% of the total cost.
Trends in the Cost of a Healthy Diet
The Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) has been rising steadily over the past year. As of March 2026, the CoHD was 4.38% higher than in March 2025, increasing from N1,477 to N1,541. While the price of Starchy staples and Vegetables decreased, all other food groups experienced price increases.
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