The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has disclosed that the average Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) per adult increased by 11.8 percent, rising from N703 in October 2023 to N786 in December 2023, reflecting a surge of N83.
The Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) represents the most economical assortment of locally accessible items aligned with globally recognized food-based dietary guidelines, serving as an indicator for gauging both the physical and economic accessibility of nutritious diets. It establishes a baseline cost per adult per day, excluding transportation and meal preparation expenses.
According to the recently released reports, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that the national average CoHD stood at N786 in December 2023, N742 in November 2023, and N703 in October 2023.
NBS further stated: “The national average CoHD was N786 per adult per day in December 2023. At the State level, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo States recorded the highest cost with N1052, N1017, and N986, respectively, while the lowest total diet costs were recorded in Katsina, Niger and Adamawa at N594, N635, and N654, respectively. At the Zonal level, the average CoHD was highest in the South West zone at N979 per day, followed by South East zone with N920 per day. The lowest average Cost of a Healthy diet was recorded in North West zone with N663 per day.
“ At the State level, Anambra, Ogun, and Ebonyi States recorded the highest cost at N965, N939, and N937, respectively, while the lowest total diet costs were recorded in Bauchi, Adamawa and Niger at N550, N562, and N572, respectively. At the Zonal level, the average CoHD was highest in the South East zone at N920 per day, followed by South West zone at N877 per day. The lowest average Cost of a Healthy diet was recorded in North East zone at N616 per day”.