A recent report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has highlighted a notable increase in the cost of maintaining a healthy diet across Nigeria.
According to the report, the national average cost of a healthy diet reached ₦982 in March 2024, marking a 4.7% rise from the ₦938 recorded in February.
“The National average Cost of a Healthy Diet was N982 in March 2024. This is 4.7% higher than the amount recorded in February 2024, which was N938,” the report reads.
The report, published on the official website of the statistics bureau, shows the financial burdens associated with dietary expenses amidst broader economic pressures.
Factors contributing to these challenges include the recent removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The financial strain exacerbated by rising food costs coincides with the government’s adjustment of the national minimum wage to ₦70,000, which was announced during the Workers’ Day celebrations.
Despite this wage increase, labour unions have voiced discontent, arguing that it falls short of addressing the harsh economic realities faced by Nigerians on a daily basis.
The NBS report serves as a critical indicator of the adjustments required to maintain a basic standard of health and well-being.
In light of the persistent rise in the cost of a healthy diet, policymakers are urged to implement measures that address food affordability and accessibility, thereby alleviating the hardships faced by households across Nigeria.
