The cost of maintaining a healthy diet in Nigeria has escalated dramatically, with a 45 percent surge recorded in the first six months of 2024. The average daily cost of a healthy diet for an adult climbed from ₦858 in January to a staggering ₦1,241 in June. This represents a 19 percent hike compared to the previous month’s figure of ₦1,041.
According to a joint report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, titled ‘Cost of Healthy Diet’, this alarming increase far outpaces both general and food inflation rates, painting a bleak picture for Nigerians striving to nourish their bodies adequately.
Key Culprits Behind the Price Surge
The report pinpoints several food categories as the primary drivers of this price escalation. Vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds have witnessed significant cost increases, placing a heavy burden on consumers. While starchy staples have also risen in price, their impact on the overall cost is relatively smaller.
Nigeria’s economic climate has been characterized by persistent inflation, with the headline figure accelerating to 34.19 percent in June. Food inflation, a critical component of the overall index, followed suit, climbing to 40.87 percent. These macroeconomic factors have undeniably contributed to the soaring cost of essential food items.
Regional Disparities in Dietary Costs
The report underscores stark regional disparities in the cost of a healthy diet. Ekiti, Ogun, and Osun states emerged as the most expensive regions, with daily costs exceeding ₦1,500. In contrast, Katsina, Kano, and Jigawa states reported the lowest costs, falling below ₦1,000.
At the zonal level, the South West region exhibited the highest average cost of a healthy diet, followed by the South-South. The North West region recorded the most affordable dietary costs.
Animal-Based Foods and Produce
The report reveals that animal-source foods constitute the most expensive component of a healthy diet, accounting for 35 percent of the total cost while providing only 13 percent of overall calories. This highlights the growing affordability challenge associated with consuming protein-rich foods.
Fruits and vegetables, essential for a balanced diet, also pose a significant financial burden. Despite contributing only 7 percent and 5 percent of total calories, respectively, these food groups represent 11 percent and 17 percent of the overall cost.
Government Interventions
In response to the growing food crisis, the Nigerian government has introduced several measures aimed at boosting food production, improving food distribution, and providing social safety nets. These initiatives include:
Agricultural Interventions: The government has invested in programs to increase agricultural productivity, such as the provision of farm inputs, extension services, and access to credit. However, challenges such as insecurity, climate change, and inadequate infrastructure have hindered the effectiveness of these efforts.
Food Security Programs: The government has implemented various food security programs, including the Homegrown School Feeding Program, which provides meals to school children. While these programs have reached a significant number of beneficiaries, the scale of the crisis often outpaces the available resources.
Social Safety Nets: The government has introduced social safety net programs, such as conditional cash transfers, to support vulnerable households. However, the coverage of these programs remains limited, and their impact on food security is yet to be fully evaluated.
Data Gaps and Policy Challenges
Despite these efforts, the government faces significant challenges in addressing the food security crisis. Accurate and up-to-date data on food production, consumption, and prices are essential for effective policymaking, but data gaps persist. Additionally, coordination among different government agencies involved in food security is often lacking, leading to inefficiencies and overlapping efforts.
Furthermore, the complex interplay of factors contributing to the food crisis, including climate change, economic shocks, and conflict, requires a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach. The government’s ability to effectively address these challenges will be crucial in mitigating the impact of the rising cost of a healthy diet on the population.
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Implications for Public Health and Nutrition
The escalating food prices raises serious concerns about the nutritional well-being of Nigerians, particularly vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. As food inflation continue to climb, individuals may resort to cheaper, less nutritious options, leading to malnutrition and related health issues.
The government and policymakers must prioritize addressing the underlying factors driving food inflation, such as supply chain bottlenecks, currency devaluation, and inadequate agricultural infrastructure. Implementing policies that support small-scale farmers and promote food security are crucial steps towards making healthy diets accessible to all Nigerians.
If You Ask Me
The findings of this report serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by millions of Nigerians in accessing nutritious food. Urgent and comprehensive measures are required to mitigate the impact of rising food prices and ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to live a healthy life.
