A new report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed a concerning trend for residents of Rivers, Lagos, and Ogun States, who paid significantly more for a balanced diet in August. According to the report released on Monday, the average costs per adult per day were N1,572 in Rivers, N1,615 in Lagos, and N1,641 in Ogun.
The report highlights the mounting strain that rising food prices are placing on many households, as the average daily cost of a healthy diet across Nigeria reached N1,255 in August. This figure, while indicative of the national average, underscores the financial challenges faced by many families striving to maintain a nutritious diet.
Despite a slight month-to-month decline of 0.8% from July’s cost of N1,265, the NBS pointed out that this reduction is insufficient to alleviate the pressures on citizens. The agency defined the cost of a healthy diet as the least expensive combination of locally available food items that align with globally recognized dietary guidelines, used as a measure of both physical and economic access to nutritious food.
The report indicated that the average cost of a healthy diet was highest in the South-West region, where it reached N1,554 per adult per day, followed by the South-South region at N1,381. In stark contrast, the North-West recorded the lowest average cost at N1,014 per adult per day, revealing significant regional disparities in food affordability.
Lagos and Rivers States, known for their economic activity and urbanization, have been particularly impacted. Residents are feeling the pinch as the prices of essential food items, particularly legumes, nuts, seeds, starchy staples, and vegetables, continue to climb. The report notes that the cost of a healthy diet has risen by 28% since March 2024, when it was recorded at N982.
Nwabueze, a resident of Rivers, expressed frustration over the rising costs. “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to provide healthy meals for my family,” he lamented. “Every time I go to the market, I find that prices have gone up, and I have to make tough choices about what to buy.”
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Interestingly, while the overall cost of a healthy diet saw a slight decline this past month, the prices of vegetables saw a significant drop of 14.5%. This anomaly may provide some relief to families who rely on fresh produce for their meals. However, the broader trend remains troubling as other essential food groups continue to increase in price.
It bears mentioning that the NBS report provides a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many Nigerians as they navigate the complexities of food affordability and access to nutrition. As the cost of living continues to rise, the government and relevant stakeholders may need to explore policies that support food production, reduce import dependence, and stabilize prices to ensure that healthy diets are accessible for all.
