The national average cost of maintaining a healthy diet in the country rose to ₦1,513 per adult per day in February 2026, representing a 3.76% increase from ₦1,458 recorded in the preceding month, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated yesterday.
This was contained in the Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) report, February 2026 which was released by the statistical agency. By implication, the cost of accessing a healthy diet had outpaced both headline food inflation in the period under review, underscoring deepening pressure on household nutrition as millions struggle with rising food prices.
The report further showed that the CoHD had maintained a steady upward trajectory over the past year. Year-on-year, the cost increased by 12.4% from ₦1,346 in February, largely driven by increases in the prices of starchy staples, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds, as well as animal source foods.
According to the NBS, CoHD represents the least expensive combination of locally available foods capable of meeting internationally recognised healthy dietary standards.
The data serves as an important indicator for measuring physical and economic access to nutritious food and is increasingly monitored globally by institutions such as the United Nations and the World Bank. The NBS gathers monthly retail food price data from 10,534 sources across urban and rural areas nationwide to support the computation of the index.
According to the statistical agency, rising healthy diet costs have important implications for food security, nutrition planning, agricultural policy and social protection interventions.
The report stated that, “The Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) has been rising steadily over the past year. As of February 2026, the CoHD was 12.4% higher than February 2025, increasing from ₦1,346 to ₦1,513. While the price of Starchy staples decreased, all other food groups experienced price increases. “On a month-on-month basis, the cost increased by 3.76% compared to January 2026 (₦1,458). The main factors driving this increase include starchy staples, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds, and animal source foods.
Meanwhile, at state level, Ekiti, Imo and Abia states recorded the highest cost, at ₦2,075, ₦2,051, and ₦1,924 respectively. Adamawa, Borno and Taraba states accounted for the lowest costs, at ₦979, ₦1,040 and ₦1,102 respectively.
At the Zonal level, the average CoHD was highest in the South-East zone, at ₦1,889 per day, followed by South-West zone at ₦1,786 per day, with the lowest recorded in the North-East Zone, at ₦1,160 per day.
