The cost of maintaining a healthy diet in Nigeria has surged by 10.98% between February and May 2024, increasing from N938 to N1,041 per adult per day. This rise significantly outpaces general and food inflation rates, further limiting access to nutritious food for many Nigerians.
The Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD), which measures physical and economic access to healthy diets, has seen a substantial rise over the past year, with a 118.8% increase from December 2022 to April 2024. Notable regional disparities persist, with the South West recording the highest average cost at N1,406 per adult per day, while the North West has the lowest at N781 per adult per day.
Experts warn that this trend signals a troubling decline in the affordability of healthy food options, posing severe risks to public health. The escalating CoHD impacts efforts to prevent malnutrition, chronic diseases, and other diet-related health issues.
The surge in food prices has sparked widespread concern, with some attributing it to decreased agricultural productivity and supply chain disruptions. Agricultural experts argue that some of the inflation in food prices is “unjustified” and could be managed through effective regulations.
In June, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) reported an alarming rise in admissions of severely malnourished children with life-threatening complications in Northern Nigeria, exceeding last year’s figures by over 100% in certain areas. This trend suggests a premature peak of the lean season and a corresponding increase in acute malnutrition, typically expected in July.
To combat this issue, experts emphasize the need for policies and interventions that enhance farmers’ adaptability to climate change and improve food availability, affordability, and accessibility, particularly for vulnerable populations.
