Nigeria’s Economic Squeeze: Healthy Eating Now a Luxury

According to recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the cost of maintaining a healthy diet has become increasingly burdensome for Nigerians. As of August 2024, the average daily expenditure on a nutritious diet per adult has risen to N1,255. This surge marks a significant 45% increase over the past six months, underscoring the mounting cost of living in the nation.

The NBS attributes this rise primarily to government policies, including the removal of subsidies on petrol, which have cascading effects on food prices nationwide. The bureau’s assessment focuses on both the physical availability and economic accessibility of essential dietary components, setting a baseline cost per adult per day that excludes transportation expenses.

In July, animal-sourced foods emerged as the most costly category to fulfill dietary recommendations, while fruits and vegetables topped the list in terms of individual item prices. This price escalation across staple food items has eroded the purchasing power of many households, rendering daily meals increasingly unaffordable for numerous citizens.

Overall, the data highlights a challenging economic landscape where the cost of food is outpacing income growth, posing significant hardships for families striving to maintain adequate nutrition amidst escalating living expenses.