Lara Adejoro

The Cost of a Healthy Diet in Nigeria has risen significantly by 10.98 per cent between February and May 2024, from N938 to N1,041 per adult per day.

This surge surpasses general and food inflation rates, making nutritious food less accessible to Nigerians.

The CoHD, a benchmark for physical and economic access to healthy diets, has risen steadily over the past year, with a 118.8 per cent increase from December 2022 to April 2024.

Regional disparities are significant, with the South West recording the highest average cost at N1,406 per adult per day, and the North West having the lowest at N781 per adult per day.

Experts warn that this trend indicates a worrying decline in the affordability of healthy food options, which could have severe implications for public health. The rising CoHD has implications for preventing malnutrition, chronic diseases, and other diet-related health issues.

The surge in food prices has raised concerns among citizens, with some attributing it to a decline in agricultural productivity and supply chain issues. However, agricultural experts believe that some of the inflation in food prices is “unjustified” and can be controlled through regulations.

Earlier in June, the Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders, said its inpatient facilities in Northern Nigeria recorded an extraordinary increase in admissions of severely malnourished children with life-threatening complications, exceeding last year’s figures by over 100 per cent in some locations.

MSF said this is an alarming indication of a premature peak of the lean season and the increase in acute malnutrition that accompanies it, typically anticipated in July.

To address this issue, experts emphasise the need for policies and interventions that promote farmers’ adaptability to climate change and improve food availability, affordability, and accessibility, particularly for vulnerable populations.