Nigeria's healthy food costs surge 32% from December 2023 to May 2024, NBS report reveals. Regional disparities show South-West and South-East face the highest costs. Food inflation hits 40.66% in May. Starchy staples and animal-source foods drive increases, raising concerns about food security and nutrition nationwide.
Nigeria is facing a significant challenge in food affordability, as revealed by the latest Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The average daily cost of purchasing healthy food has surged by 32% from December 2023 to May 2024, reaching N1,041 from N786.
The report highlights regional disparities, with Ebonyi, Abia, and Anambra states experiencing the highest CoHD at N1,225, N1,215, and N1,205 respectively. In contrast, Kano state recorded the lowest at N898. On a zonal level, the South-West and South-East regions face the highest costs, while the North-West sees the lowest average CoHD.
Food groups driving this increase include starchy staples, legumes, nuts and seeds, and animal-source foods. Vegetables and fruits, however, showed the least price increase month-on-month.
This trend aligns with the broader issue of food inflation in Nigeria, which has risen for the 17th consecutive time to 40.66% in May 2024. The consistent increase in CoHD since October 2023 paints a concerning picture for food security and nutrition in the country.
The report notes that the figures represent a lower bound, excluding transportation and meal preparation costs, suggesting that the actual impact on households could be even more severe.
Source: Daily Post
