By Collins Odigie Ojiehanor
Over the years, there has been a decline in the agricultural sector as Nigeria’s oil and gas resources stand as the major focus for government revenue and foreign exchange earnings. Nigerians rely on food produced by farmers with the majority being peasants lacking capital, skills, energy and other viable supplies to produce food in large quantities.
Food insecurity seems to be on the rise in Nigeria, particularly in recent times. Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people translates to high demand for food which surpasses the level of food production from local farmers in the country. An average homes salaries in the last few months largely go on food with other major expenses standing as transportation costs, utilities and rents.
Frequent policy changes and poor performance of agencies assigned to implement food and agriculture policies have a serious setback on food production and distribution. Each time a new government comes to power, the previous agricultural policies and programmes are abandoned and new ones are put in place, and not that the new ones are better than the old ones. They lack adequate transparency and accountability to ensure that the benefits of these programs reach the intended populations without being undermined by corruption.
In alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), nearly all countries worldwide have pledged to enhance the planet and the lives of its citizens by 2030. Central to these goals are the eradication of poverty and hunger in all forms. However, recent data from Nigeria indicates significant fallout in making progress toward these objectives.
The Nigeria Labour Force Statistics Report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for the third quarter (Q3) of 2023 reveals that a staggering 87.3% of workers in Nigeria are self-employed, highlighting a heavy reliance on informal employment. In contrast, only 12.7% of workers are engaged in wage employment, highlighting the limited availability of formal job opportunities.
Furthermore, the report indicates that 4.1% of the working-age population was involved in subsistence agriculture in Q3 2023, a sector often associated with low productivity and income instability. The informal employment rate remains alarmingly high at 92.3% in Q3 2023, a slight decrease from 92.7% in Q2 2023.
Unemployment rates have also seen a concerning rise. In Q3 2023, the overall unemployment rate increased significantly at 5.0%. Particularly troubling is the youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24), which climbed to 8.6% in Q3 2023, marking a 1.4% increase from Q2 2023. This spike highlights the growing difficulties young people face in securing stable employment.
The labour force participation rate, which measures the proportion of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking work, declined to 79.5% in Q3 2023 from 80.4% in Q2 2023. Correspondingly, the employment-to-population ratio fell to 75.6% in Q3 2023, a 1.5% decrease from Q2 2023.
Poverty and Nutrition Challenges in Nigeria
Poverty and nutrition challenges in Nigeria persist as formidable obstacles amidst economic struggles and resource disparities. With a minimum wage of between ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, many Nigerians find themselves earning below the threshold necessary to meet basic living standards. This economic reality is compounded by soaring inflation rates and a dearth of affordable housing, intensifying the plight of a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line.
Data from World Poverty Clock, a global poverty model by World Data Lab that monitors progress against ending extreme poverty globally, providing real-time estimates, reveals that in Nigeria with a total population of 225,731,260 people, 31% of Nigerians, approximately 70,834,207 individuals, are living in extreme poverty, with a poverty threshold defined as having less than $2.15 per day to meet basic needs.
The distribution of extreme poverty shows a significant difference between rural and urban areas. In rural areas, 89% of the population, totaling 62,924,941 people, are classified as living in extreme poverty. Meanwhile, in urban areas, 7,909,266 individuals, comprising 11% of the population, are affected. The data shows that majority with 36,412,357 people, which is 51% are males, while 34,421,850, making 49% are females.
An Economist, Dr. Chioma Amaechi highlighted the critical intersection between poverty and nutrition in Nigeria’s economic landscape. “The high cost of living relative to income levels poses a severe challenge to food security and nutritional health among Nigerians. Income is low, prices are rising, it’s devastating,” Dr. Amaechi stated. “Despite efforts to set a minimum wage, many earners fall short of meeting their basic needs, particularly in terms of accessing nutritious food. This inadequacy perpetuates a cycle of malnutrition and undermines overall health outcomes.”
Dr. Amaechi further elaborated on the systemic issues contributing to these challenges. “Economic disparities and unequal resource distribution amplify the difficulties faced by vulnerable populations. Without sufficient income to afford nutritious diets, many Nigerians are forced to compromise on dietary quality, leading to widespread malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant women,” she explained. “Moreover, strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure and nutrition education are imperative to break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition, fostering a healthier and more prosperous future for all Nigerians,” she suggested.
A Communications Specialist, Maryann Udoka emphasized the severe economic challenges faced by many Nigerians due to the high cost of living relative to income levels. “In Nigeria, the cost of living is relatively higher than the current income levels. Many Nigerians earn below their cost of living, what does that suggest? Poverty. Many Nigerians are living as poor people because even the little they earn cannot meet basic needs anymore,” Udoka stated.
“Although the minimum wage is around ₦30,000 and the average monthly salary is about ₦140,000, however many Nigerians earn below the minimum wage. This discrepancy makes it impossible for them to meet basic needs such as food, housing, and healthcare, leading to a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line.” She further explained. “The uneven distribution of resources and wealth, coupled with high inflation rates, greatly contributes to why a majority of Nigerians struggle to meet the standard of living. This situation is worsened by the lack of affordable housing and economic instability,” she added.
Addressing these challenges, Udoka emphasized the need for comprehensive economic and social policies. “Improving income levels and ensuring greater access to resources for all citizens is crucial. This can be achieved through comprehensive economic and social policies. Additionally, the minimum wage should be increased to a level where salary earners can meet the standard of living, or alternatively, the cost of food items, healthcare, housing, and other basic necessities should be made more affordable.”
Household Faces Risk of Rising Dietetic Diseases
The current economic challenges in Nigeria have sparked serious concerns about rising nutrition and diet-related diseases across the country. As the cost of living continues to soar, many Nigerians find themselves struggling to afford basic necessities, including nutritious food.
This alarming trend is not just a matter of food scarcity but also of the quality of the available food, with many resorting to cheaper, less healthy options that do not provide essential nutrients.
According to a WHO report on the global burden of foodborne diseases, it estimated that Africa has the highest burden per population of foodborne illnesses, with Nigeria being a significant contributor. Contaminated food results in numerous cases of illness and death, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
A 2020 study published in the journal “Frontiers in Public Health” noted an increasing trend in obesity, particularly among women in urban areas, with rates reaching up to 20% in some regions. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated that in 2021, approximately 3.6 million Nigerians were living with diabetes, with many cases going undiagnosed. The prevalence of diabetes in adults aged 20-79 years is about 3.1%, and the number of diabetes-related deaths is estimated at 40,800 per year.
The Nigeria Hypertension Society (NHS) reports that about 30% of the adult population in Nigeria is hypertensive. A 2018 study in the “Journal of the American College of Cardiology” highlighted that hypertension awareness, treatment, and control rates in Nigeria are 30%, 24%, and 10%, respectively.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for about 11% of total deaths in Nigeria, according to WHO. The rising prevalence of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes significantly contributes to the increasing burden of CVDs.
Speaking with Bukola Adebayo, a resident of Ikorodu, she shared her insights on the impact of inflation on food quality and safety: “Before this inflation or hike in food prices, most of these food sellers ordinarily didn’t buy fresh pepper and tomatoes,” Adebayo explained.
“Most of the peppers they bought were not entirely fresh; they would buy those almost rotten because they get them at a lower price to boost their restaurant business. By buying at a cheaper rate, they make more profit selling this food to people, and many consumers are unaware or choose to ignore this,” she added.
Adebayo continued, “Recently, due to the hike in price, food sellers and even individuals prefer buying the rotten tomatoes and peppers, often called ‘Esha,’ because they’re cheaper. Despite their rotten state, some still consider them consumable. You can see some of these peppers with maggots, yet people still buy them because they want more pepper to fill their pot of soup.”
Sharing her personal experience, Adebayo noted, “Last week, I bought N2,500 worth of peppers from an Aboki (Hausa) vendor. If you’re buying from the streets, it costs about five pieces for N500, unlike before when N500 worth of pepper was enough for a meal. Now, even with the N2,500 I spent, it wasn’t enough. I had to add a lot of onions to make it last a few days.”
She also highlighted the price disparity between fresh and rotten produce: “While a paint rubber measurement of rotten tomatoes and peppers goes for as low as N2,500, a paint of fresh tomatoes is sold between N13,000 and N15,000. Earlier in May, it was sold for N7,500. This same quantity used to cost between N2,000 and N4,000 at most”
“During the Salah period, while I was negotiating with a vendor for fresh tomatoes, I saw others waited to buy the rotten ones. They consume these and may not cook their food thoroughly, leading to potential health risks. Germs and chemicals from improperly stored and treated produce can cause food poisoning.”
Adebayo expressed her concerns about eating outside: “People consume these things and struggle with food poisoning, especially from roadside food vendors who cook with firewood or kerosene and use rotten peppers and tomatoes. That’s why I’m always skeptical about eating outside.”
Future Outlook and Sustainable Solutions
In response to rising concerns over nutritional crises and dietary diseases affecting Nigerians, nutrition experts have advised series of sustainable solutions aimed at securing a healthier future. These integrated efforts aim to address immediate nutritional challenges while laying a foundation for long-term sustainability and improved health outcomes across Nigeria.
Dr. Adeyemi, shared insights on how to achieve a healthier future through better dietary choices. She stated that: “A healthy future is possible with good food—nutritious and wholesome food,” Dr. Adeyemi stated. “By cutting down on soda and foods with less nutritional value, and by consuming more wholesome foods like grains and rice instead of polished foods, we can promote long-term health. That’s why we do not encourage refined foods like snacks.”
Dr. Adeyemi emphasized the importance of incorporating protein-rich foods and natural oils into the diet. “Eating foods that are rich in protein and natural oils, like olive oil instead of saturated oils, and including nutrient-dense foods like avocados, nuts, and grains can be more beneficial. Although they might be expensive, these foods provide essential nutrients that processed foods lack, contributing to a good and happy life.”
Highlighting the long-term benefits of healthy eating, Dr. Adeyemi remarked, “In the future, people can live much longer if they avoid junk food. Unhealthy food exposes individuals to various diseases, which can shorten their lifespan. For example, someone with a family history of heart disease can significantly reduce their risk by eating right from a young age. Even if they are genetically predisposed, the onset of such diseases can be delayed until much later in life, underscoring that eating right is the best preventative measure.”
For a long-term sustainability and improved health outcomes across Nigeria, there should be key initiatives including integrated nutrition programs designed to educate and empower communities on balanced diets and nutritional needs, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. These programs, when strengthened by partnerships with local healthcare providers and community leaders, would enhance knowledge on diverse and nutritious food options.
Recognizing the critical link between food security and nutrition, policymakers should invest in infrastructural improvements to strengthen food systems. This includes enhancing storage facilities, transportation networks, and market access to ensure consistent availability of affordable, nutritious food products. Efforts should be made to promote dietary diversity among local farmers, incentivizing the cultivation of a broader range of nutrient-rich crops. This approach not only aims to improve local food availability but also supports economic resilience within agricultural communities.
Healthcare services across Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities should be enhanced to include nutritional counseling and early screening for dietary diseases, empowering individuals to make informed health choices. Community engagement initiatives should be encouraged, fostering nutrition programs at local levels, promoting sustainable nutritional practices and behaviours.
Regulatory frameworks should be strengthened to improve food labeling and marketing practices, ensuring consumers have access to accurate nutritional information. Robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be established to track progress and optimize resource allocation, enabling stakeholders to adapt strategies based on real-time data.