A recent report titled ‘Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms’ by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO has highlighted a concerning trend in Nigeria: approximately 172 million people, equivalent to 78.7% of the population, cannot afford a nutritious diet.
The report indicates a steady increase from 143.8 million people in 2017 to 172 million in 2022 who lack access to adequate nutrition. It further reveals that the cost of a healthy diet in Nigeria has been progressively rising, reaching approximately $3.83 per day in 2022. This translates to about N1,767.55 per day based on the official exchange rate at the time.
Nigeria ranks fifth among West African countries for the highest cost of a healthy diet, trailing behind Mauritania, Ghana, Cabo Verde, and the Niger Republic. The National Bureau of Statistics and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition reported that the average cost of a healthy diet per adult per day rose to N1,241 by June 2024, up from N858 in January 2024.
The report also underscores Nigeria’s persistent challenges with food insecurity, as the country has consistently ranked among the top ten for acute food insecurity, affecting millions of people annually. In response to these challenges, the Federal Government recently announced a 150-day duty-free import window for food imported via land and sea borders, aiming to alleviate pressure on foreign exchange demand by food importers.
The findings call for urgent reforms in budget allocations and spending to improve food security and nutrition across the country. As global and domestic efforts intensify to address these issues, the impact on millions of Nigerians struggling to access adequate nutrition remains a critical concern.