04/10/2024
Rising Cost of a Healthy Diet Strains Nigerians
The cost of maintaining a healthy diet in Nigeria has continued to soar, putting immense pressure on many Nigerians' pockets. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the average daily cost for an adult to eat healthily in August 2024 was ₦1,255, a 28% rise compared to ₦982 in March this year.
This data was gathered from over 10,000 food outlets across the country, covering more than 200 food items. The steep rise in food costs is becoming a major concern, as nutritious meals are becoming more expensive and harder to afford.
Animal-source foods like meat and fish were found to be the most expensive, making up 37% of the total cost of a healthy diet, even though they contribute only 13% of the necessary daily calories.
The NBS report also pointed to the rising prices of essential food groups like legumes, nuts, seeds, starchy staples, and vegetables as the primary reasons for the price hike. Despite this, there was a small 0.8% decrease from July 2024, when the daily cost was ₦1,265.
Interestingly, the price of vegetables dropped by 14.5% in August, offering some temporary relief to consumers. However, experts are warning that with food prices climbing faster than other goods and services, many Nigerians may struggle even more to access nutritious meals.
What Does This Mean for Nigerians?
For many families, particularly those with lower incomes, these rising costs may mean cutting down on nutritious food choices or skipping meals altogether. As healthy food becomes more expensive, many Nigerians may have to rely on cheaper, less nutritious options, which could have serious health implications in the long term, such as malnutrition or diet-related illnesses.
In a country where food security is already a concern for many, this report highlights the growing financial burden of eating healthily. If these trends continue, the gap between the rich and poor in accessing nutritious food may widen, with dire consequences for public health and overall well-being.
