The current national minimum wage of N70,000 can only provide healthy meals for about 15 days for an average Nigerian adult, according to an analysis of the latest Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The report highlights the growing gap between workers’ earnings and the rising cost of living, raising fresh concerns about food affordability and household welfare across the country.
According to the NBS, the national average Cost of a Healthy Diet rose to N1,541 per adult per day in March 2026, compared to N1,513 in February 2026 and N1,477 in March 2025.
The Cost of a Healthy Diet is an internationally recognised measure used by organisations such as the United Nations and the World Bank to estimate the minimum amount required for a person to access a nutritionally adequate diet.
Based on the latest figures, an adult Nigerian would need approximately N4,623 daily to afford three healthy meals, translating to about N138,690 monthly.
This means that a worker earning the N70,000 minimum wage can only afford healthy feeding for roughly 15 days in a 30-day month, leaving a significant gap between income and nutritional needs.
For those limiting meals to twice daily, the wage may stretch to about 22 days. However, workers supporting families face even greater challenges.
The report showed that maintaining a healthy diet for one adult costs about N46,230 monthly. For a household of three comprising a worker, spouse and child, the monthly feeding cost rises to N138,690, nearly twice the national minimum wage.
Analysts say the situation is forcing many families to reduce meal portions, skip meals or substitute nutritious foods with cheaper alternatives.
Food affordability continues to worsen as the cost of healthy diets rises. The NBS reported a 4.38 per cent year-on-year increase in healthy diet costs between March 2025 and March 2026, while the month-on-month increase stood at 1.89 per cent.
Animal-source foods remain the most expensive component of a healthy diet, accounting for 39 per cent of total diet costs despite contributing only 13 per cent of daily calorie requirements. Fruits and vegetables account for 16 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.
At the state level, Ekiti recorded the highest healthy diet cost at N2,091 per adult per day, followed by Imo at N2,052 and Abia at N1,970. Adamawa recorded the lowest cost at N1,004, followed by the Federal Capital Territory at N1,113 and Taraba at N1,149.
Regionally, the South-East had the highest average healthy diet cost at N1,899 per day, while the North-East recorded the lowest at N1,233.
Beyond food expenses, Nigerian workers continue to grapple with rising transportation costs, higher rents, electricity tariffs and other living expenses.
Latest inflation data from the NBS showed food inflation at 16.06 per cent in April 2026, exceeding the headline inflation rate of 15.69 per cent for the first time in eight months, indicating that food prices are increasing faster than overall inflation.
The affordability crisis comes amid growing concerns over food insecurity. The World Food Programme estimates that nearly 35 million Nigerians could face food insecurity in 2026 due to conflict, climate-related shocks and disruptions to food production.
The agency identified the North-East as the worst-affected region, with about 5.8 million people facing severe food insecurity and thousands at risk of famine-like conditions.
Labour leaders have renewed calls for a review of workers’ wages. Speaking during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja, Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero urged the Federal Government to provide additional support for workers pending a fresh minimum wage review.
Nutrition experts have also warned that the inability of households to afford balanced diets could worsen malnutrition, especially among children.
Lead Consultant at Hadassah Nutritional Health Consult, Esther Olorunfunmi Sayo, said many families are increasingly relying on cheaper food options that may satisfy hunger but fail to provide essential nutrients.
She advised Nigerians to take advantage of seasonal and locally available foods such as maize, vegetables, eggs and seafood, while urging government to improve support for farmers, strengthen security in farming communities and enhance workers’ welfare.
Sayo warned that prolonged poor nutrition could lead to stunted growth, weakened immunity and poor cognitive development among children.
With salaries struggling to keep pace with rising prices, many workers are left facing difficult choices each month as they balance feeding, transportation, housing, healthcare and other essential needs.
For millions of Nigerians, the challenge is no longer simply coping with high food prices, but finding a way to survive when income runs out before the month ends.
