10 Places in Nigeria Where Eating Healthy Costs the Most

Maintaining a healthy diet in Nigeria has become increasingly challenging, particularly financially. As of April 2024, the average Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) across the nation has risen to N1,035 per adult per day. This marks a significant 5.4% increase from the previous month, highlighting the growing economic burden of accessing nutritious foods. 

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has provided data showing that this issue is particularly pronounced in certain regions and states, with the Southwest topping the list as the most expensive. Here are the states with the highest cost of healthy eating, shedding light on the economic strains faced by individuals striving to maintain a nutritious lifestyle amidst rising food prices.

Ekiti

Ekiti is Nigeria’s most expensive state for healthy eating, with residents spending an average of N1,483 per day. This figure represents not just a local high but sets Ekiti at the pinnacle of statewide expenses on nutrition. The steep cost underscores the challenges faced by its residents in keeping up with healthy dietary standards.

Ogun

Close on Ekiti’s heels is Ogun State, where the daily CoHD reaches N1,447. The consistency of high costs in Ogun reflects broader regional trends but also highlights the specific economic pressures within the state that elevate the price of nutritious food.

Osun

Osun follows with a daily CoHD of N1,417. As part of the Southwest, a region known for its higher living costs, Osun’s position underscores the wider economic disparities that can affect dietary choices and nutrition.

Ondo

In Ondo, maintaining a healthy diet costs N1,390 per day. This figure places Ondo among the top states where eating healthily demands significant financial outlay, reflecting both regional economic conditions and the local cost of living.

Oyo

Residents in Oyo face a daily CoHD of N1,369. This figure not only highlights the challenges within Oyo but also illustrates the broader issue of regional variances in food pricing and availability.

Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis, sees an average CoHD of N1,331 per day. The urban setting contributes to this high cost, with the demand for diverse and healthy food options driving prices upward in a densely populated area.

Akwa Ibom

In Akwa Ibom, a state marked by its coastal geography, the daily CoHD is N1,248. This underscores the economic impact of geographical factors on food pricing, particularly in regions reliant on specific types of food imports or local production.

Rivers

Rivers State records a CoHD of N1,241 per day. As a hub of both commerce and industry, the cost factors in Rivers reflect the intersection of economic activity and the availability of nutritious food.

Abia

Abia State sees a daily CoHD of N1,217. This places Abia in the ninth position, highlighting a consistent need for economic resources to meet dietary guidelines in a region grappling with both economic and nutritional challenges.

Anambra

Rounding out the list, Anambra has a daily CoHD of N1,214. Despite being the least expensive on this list, Anambra still faces significant challenges in ensuring affordable access to healthy diets for its residents.