During April 2026, the national average daily cost for a nutritious diet increased by 3.12 percent, reaching N1,589 per adult. This marks an uptick from the N1,541 recorded in March 2026, according to the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The Bureau noted that this rate of increase outpaced standard food inflation figures.
Rising expenses across nearly all food categories, excluding starchy staples, triggered the hike. Animal-derived proteins were identified as the costliest component, representing 40 percent of total diet spending despite offering only 13 percent of caloric intake. Meanwhile, fruits and vegetables remained the priciest groups relative to calories, whereas legumes, nuts, and seeds stood out as the most budget-friendly options.
Regional variations were significant, with Ekiti, Imo, and Bayelsa reporting the highest daily costs, peaking at N2,036 in Ekiti. Conversely, Adamawa, the Federal Capital Territory, and Akwa Ibom maintained the most affordable prices. When analyzed by zone, the South-East reported the highest average expense, while the North-East recorded the lowest.
