By Collins Odigie Ojiehanor
In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, the soaring cost of food has plunged millions into the throes of hunger, stripping away not just their daily bread, but their dignity and hope. As inflation spirals out of control, mothers skip meals to feed their children, and farmers watch helplessly as their harvests fail to meet basic needs. In rural communities, families who once relied on subsistence farming now face barren fields and empty food store, their lives dictated by the whims of an unpredictable climate and an unforgiving economy.
This is a nation fighting a silent war against hunger, where every grain of rice and drop of oil is a precious commodity. In the midst of this nutritional crisis, the battle for survival grows more desperate by the day, painting a grim picture of a country on the brink. In Lagos, the country’s economic hub, the impact is acutely felt by both residents and traders with the current realities of Nigeria’s food situation.
Markets that were once bustling with the vibrancy of trade now echo with the sounds of despair and frustration. Stall owners lament the dwindling number of customers as skyrocketing prices make basic staples unaffordable for the average Nigerian. An average household in Nigeria tells a touching story: anxiously clutching empty wallets, work tirelessly yet still fall short of providing a single nourishing meal for their families. Malnutrition rates soar, leaving a generation at risk of stunted growth and diminished futures.
The government’s attempts to control inflation and provide food subsidies are met with skepticism and frustration, as bureaucratic hurdles and corruption often impede the flow of aid. As Nigeria battles with this nutritional crisis, the international community watches, the urgency to act has never been more apparent. The survival of millions hangs in the balance, demanding immediate and sustained intervention. This is not just a fight for food, but a fight for the very future of a nation.
Household Food Situation in Nigeria
Nigeria’s food situation is characterized by significant challenges. The 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI) highlights the gravity of the situation, ranking Nigeria 109th out of 125 countries, with a score of 28.3, indicating that Nigeria is in a serious level of hunger. This means that Nigeria is the 16th most hungry country in the world among countries with sufficient data to calculate the 2023 GHI scores. The World Food Programme projects that about 26.5 million Nigerians will face acute hunger this year, a significant increase from the 18.6 million in 2023.
In a market survey carried out by our reporter across some major markets in Lagos state, prices of different staples stood at an average of: white beans cost N8,000 per paint rubber, brown beans N9,000, rice N7,500, yellow garri N3,500, white garri N3,400, yam range from N3,000 to N4,500 per tuber, and palm oil, meat, fish, pepper and tomatoes all saw significant price surge.
According to the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s food inflation rate surged to 37.52% in August 2024, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 8.18% points from the 29.34% recorded in August 2023.
The average annual food inflation rate for the twelve months ending in August 2024 was 36.99%, an increase of 11.98% points compared to the 25.01% annual rate recorded in August 2023. The ongoing rise in food inflation is primarily driven by sharp price hikes in key staples and essential items.
Among the major contributors to the inflation spike were items in the Bread and Cereals Class such as bread, maize grains, and guinea corn. Additionally, products in the Potatoes, Yam & Other Tubers Class, including yam, Irish potatoes, water yam, and cassava tuber, saw considerable price increases. The Oil & Fats Class (which includes palm oil and vegetable oil) and the Coffee, Tea & Cocoa Class (featuring products like Ovaltine, Milo, and Lipton) also contributed to the inflation surge.
The latest Selected Food Price Watch report from NBS revealed that the average price for 1kg of brown beans (sold loose) surged to ₦2,574.63, marking a dramatic 271.55% increase from ₦692.95 in August 2023. On a month-on-month basis, the price climbed by 5.31%, up from ₦2,444.81 in July 2024.
The price of local rice (1kg, sold loose) continued its upward trend, increasing by 148.41% year-on-year from ₦737.11 in August 2023 to ₦1,831.05 in August 2024. On a month-on-month basis, the price rose by 3.65% from ₦1,766.64 in July 2024.
The price of imported high-quality rice (1kg, sold loose) continued its upward trend, rising by 144.63% year-on-year from ₦952.06 in August 2023 to ₦2,329.05 in August 2024. On a month-on-month basis, the price climbed by 6.30%, up from ₦2,191.06 in July 2024.
Gari white (sold loose, 1kg) also saw a substantial increase, with the price jumping by 146.40% year-on-year from ₦456.32 in August 2023 to ₦1,124.40 in August 2024. Despite this, the price dipped slightly by 2.38% compared to ₦1,151.79 recorded in July 2024.
Similarly, the price of gari yellow (sold loose, 1kg) surged by 141.76%, rising from ₦484.22 in August 2023 to ₦1,170.65 in August 2024. Like white gari, the price saw a month-on-month decrease of 3.94%, down from ₦1,218.68 in July 2024.
Meanwhile, the average price of yam tuber (1kg) skyrocketed by 188.31% year-on-year, from ₦576.39 in August 2023 to ₦1,661.80 in July 2024. However, the price dropped by 7.82% compared to ₦1,802.84 recorded in July 2024.
This surge in food prices has worsened the struggle for many Nigerian households to secure adequate nutrition, particularly for low-income families already grappling with economic challenges. Rising costs of everyday essentials have put added pressure on families, further exacerbating the country’s food security crisis.
Market traders are biting hard on the frontline of the economic crisis. Mrs. Sola Adekunle, who sells vegetables at the Mile 12 market, noted, “The cost of transporting goods has gone up due to fuel prices. We have to pass these costs on to customers, but many are buying less because they can’t afford it.” Another trader, Mrs. Oge Adebayo, lamented, “We are seeing fewer customers because people can’t afford to buy as much as they used to. The prices of food like rice, beans, and garri have nearly doubled in the past year.”
Fruits seller at Alapere market, Musa Danga explained that: “The cost of fruits has increased, making it difficult for people to buy. Customers just walk by, complaining about the prices. I end up with spoiled fruits, and it’s a significant loss for my business. This situation is really affecting my livelihood.”
Staple food seller, Chinedu Okeke lamented that: “Items like rice, beans, and garri have seen serious price increase. Customers who used to buy in bulk now purchase just little. The reduced patronage means I have more goods sitting in storage. The high price is affecting people. Like now I do not have ground nut to sell because it’s getting too expensive. Government should help us bring prices down and make food affordable again.”
The availability of food is now a critical issue for many household in Lagos. Nigeria, despite its vast agricultural potential, still relies heavily on food imports. Disruptions in global supply chains, coupled with local production challenges, have led to periodic shortages of essential food items. This has further driven up prices, making basic foods less accessible to the average Nigerian.
Residents echo this sentiment. Mr. Festus Oladele, a father of four, shared his daily struggle: “I earn a modest salary, but it’s not enough to keep up with the rising costs. We have had to cut down on the variety and quantity of food we eat. Meat and fish are now luxuries oh my brother.”
Mrs. Amina Yusuf shared that: “Feeding my family has become quite challenging lately. Prices of essential food items have increased, and it’s hard to make ends meet. The recent floods in some areas in the North have also damaged many crops, making food scarcer and more expensive. We have had to reduce portion sizes and sometimes skip meals. I also try to buy in bulk when I can afford it, which sometimes helps save a little money.”
“I came to buy some tomatoes, onions, and pepper. The food situation has become quite difficult,” Chiamaka Obi revealed. “Prices have doubled for many items, and it’s hard to manage on a tight budget. As a student living alone, I have to be very careful with how I spend my money. I used to eat out sometimes. I also plan my meals in advance to avoid waste,” she added.
Household Income and Living Condition in Nigeria
Income levels and access to resources are essential determinants of food security and nutrition. In Nigeria, the economic downturn, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing security challenges, has severely affected household incomes.
The Nigerian economy has been under pressure due to multiple factors, including fluctuating oil prices, foreign exchange scarcity, and high inflation. These economic woes have directly impacted household incomes. According to a report by the World Bank, over 40% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, with many struggling to meet basic needs.
In Lagos, where the cost of living is particularly high, residents are feeling the pinch. Ms. Joan Kelly Ilevbaoje, a University lecturer voiced her deep concerns about the harsh realities faced by ordinary Nigerians amidst soaring living costs. “The cost of living is very high. It’s really tough,” she lamented. “People are dying, people are falling sick, people are malnourished. People are not okay at all.” Joan emphasized the stark disparity between income levels and the rising prices of essentials, highlighting the urgent need for action.
“I don’t blame the Nigerian Labour Congress for their fight about the increment in minimum wage. Nigeria is due for that,” she asserted passionately. “I cannot imagine that in this economy presently somebody is earning 15,000 naira, 12,000 naira. Let’s just hope that things get better,” she said with a tone of cautious optimism. “But the living condition, the cost of living in Nigeria now is way too high. People cannot afford necessities anymore. People are living below standard.”
Mrs. Rita Njoku, a secondary school teacher, voiced her plight of the challenges faced by many Nigerian families as living expenses soar while incomes stagnate. “My salary has not increased in years, but everything else has become more expensive,” she laments with a sense of frustration.
In her heartfelt account, she reveals the harsh realities of trying to make ends meet in today’s economic climate. “It’s a constant battle to provide for my children,” she explains, highlighting the daily sacrifices her family must make. “We have had to cut out a lot of things from our budget. We used to eat fruits every day, but now it’s not so again.”
In a series of interviews, Residents from various walks of life expressed deep concerns about the country’s escalating economic challenges and their impact on daily life, especially in Lagos state. Loveth Peter highlighted the stark economic realities, stating, “The current income levels are insufficient to keep up with the rising cost of living. In Nigeria today, there is nothing like middle class; it’s either you’re rich or poor.”
Favour Samuel echoed these sentiments, emphasizing, “Income levels are alarmingly low in Nigeria, and accessing basic resources has become increasingly difficult. The cost of living has skyrocketed.” Elizabeth Chiamaka added her perspective on the hardships faced, noting, “Given the current situation, life is incredibly tough. Basic needs like food are essential, but we also have other bills to pay, and our incomes are not keeping pace. Prices are rising, but our earnings remain stagnant.”
Edibo Eleojo expressed concerns about factors exacerbating these challenges on household income and cost of living, explaining, “The income of Nigerians has plummeted due to various factors, including the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate fluctuations, and rampant inflation across goods and services. As a result, the cost of living has tripled, plunging many into severe hardship. This has led to increased social problems such as crime, prostitution, and a notable trend of Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad, popularly referred to as the Japa syndrome.”
Nigerian Household Nutrition and Diets Patterns
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) report on The Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) highlights that, the national average cost of a healthy diet in Nigeria was N1,265 per adult per day in July 2024, excluding the cost of transportation and meal preparation. The cost is even higher in the South West, at N1,554 per adult per day, compared to N1.014 per adult per day in North West.
At the State level Ogun, Lagos and Rivers States recorded the highest cost with N1,641, N1,615, and N1,572 respectively. This disparity underscores the regional inequalities in access to nutritious food. The report shows that in recent months, the CoHD has risen faster than general inflation and food inflation.
The GAIN report also indicates that Animal Source foods were the most expensive food group recommendation to meet in August, accounting for 37% of the total CoHD to provide 13% of the total calories. Fruits and vegetables were the most expensive food groups in terms of price per calorie; they accounted for 11% and 14%, respectively. Legumes, Nuts and Seeds were the least-expensive food group on average, at 7% of the total cost.
The Cost of Healthy Diet (CoHD) has been steadily rising over the past six (6) months, since March 2024. In August 2024, the CoHD was 28% higher than it was in March 2024 (N982). The main drivers of this increase in CoHD are Legumes, Nuts and Seeds, Starchy Staples and Vegetables. These increases have forced many households to adjust their diets, often compromising on nutrition.
The combined effect of rising food prices and declining household incomes has had a profound impact on nutrition. Malnutrition remains a significant problem, with children being particularly vulnerable. According to UNICEF, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world. About 37% of children under five are stunted, 7% are wasted, and 22% are underweight. These figures are alarming and indicate a crisis that requires urgent attention.
Many households have had to make significant dietary changes due to economic constraints. The typical Nigerian diet, which includes a variety of grains, legumes, vegetables, and animal proteins, is becoming less balanced. More families are relying on cheaper, less nutritious foods.
Mrs. Chinwe Okeke, a mother of three, shared her experience: “We used to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and fish, but now we mostly eat carbohydrates. Nothing is affordable. I worry about my children’s health. Many families have had to reduce the variety of foods they consume, focusing on cheaper options that lack essential nutrients. Meals that once included proteins, vegetables, and fruits are now primarily composed of carbohydrates like rice and garri” she lamented.
“Who is looking for nutrient nowadays. You just eat because you need food to survive” said John Jayewole. “Protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, and eggs have become expensive items for many households. I wanted to buy egg this morning, the woman said 3 egg for 5 hundred naira, I turned back”, he added.
For Mr. Tunde Adewale, he explained that: “I am here to buy yams, palm oil, and some spices. With the way prices are going up, I try to stock up whenever I have some extra money. The situation at home is tough; feeding a family of six isn’t easy. It has been quite stressful. We have had to switch to cheaper food options and cut down on meat and fish.”
Expressing his concern about the situation in his home, he shared that: “We eat a lot more cassava and maize flour now. Even those are getting expensive. It’s a daily struggle to ensure everyone gets enough to eat. The government needs to support farmers more and improve infrastructure so that food can get to the markets faster and cheaper. Also, tackling the issues of security in farming areas would help increase food production.”
In an interview, Dr. Bukola Adeyemi, a Nutrition expert, shed light on the gravity of the situation. She highlighted how economic constraints are leading to various forms of malnutrition, from undernourishment to obesity, as people are forced to make unhealthy dietary choices. Dr. Adeyemi also discussed the concept of “Hidden Hunger,” where individuals may appear healthy but lack crucial vitamins and minerals, posing significant health risks.
In her words she explained that: “Due to economic constraints, many people will face various cases of malnutrition because they cannot afford the ever-increasing cost of food,” Dr. Adeyemi stated. She elaborated on the potential consequences, saying, “Many people may become undernourished, meaning they are not receiving the necessary nutrients for their bodies to function normally. While for some people it can lead to overweight, as people resort to consuming unhealthy, junk foods that are now more affordable than nutritious options.”
Dr. Adeyemi warned about the dangers of a poor diet, “Buying foods high in sodium and saturated fat can lead to obesity. This increases the risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension because people are not eating healthily.” She also addressed a condition known as “Hidden Hunger,” explaining, “Some people might appear healthy, they are not feeling sick, but are not meeting their essential nutrient needs, particularly pregnant women and nursing mothers. They can suffer from anemia due to a lack of essential vitamins needed for blood production, like iron and vitamin A, leading to various health issues.”
Despite the challenges, Dr. Adeyemi emphasized the importance of striving to meet nutritional needs. “Even in these tough times, it’s essential to try to meet your nutrient requirements. If you cannot afford meat or fish, look for alternative sources of protein. Although fruits are expensive, try to consume some daily, even in small amounts,” she advised.