By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A recent survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in collaboration with the World Bank, has revealed alarming levels of food insecurity in Nigeria. According to the report, 65% of Nigerian households cannot afford healthy meals, while 12% endure entire days without food.
The findings, unveiled in Abuja during the launch of the General Household Survey-Panel Wave 5, shed light on the challenges faced by Nigerians due to rising food prices and economic shocks.
Shocking Statistics on Food Insecurity
The survey highlights:
- 65% of households are deprived of healthy diets due to financial constraints.
- 12% of households skip meals for an entire day.
- 63.8% of households consume a limited variety of food because of monetary challenges.
- 62.4% of households report anxiety about running out of food.
- 60.5% of households eat less than they should.
- 71% of households are impacted by food price increases, with 48.8% reducing their food consumption as a result.
These findings underscore the dire state of food security in Nigeria, exacerbated by rising costs of essential goods and economic instability.
Broader Implications and Insights
The report, presented by Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of the NBS, goes beyond food insecurity to address other aspects of household welfare, including income, assets, agriculture, and energy access. Key findings include:
- Urban-rural divide in electricity access: 82.2% of urban households have electricity, compared to only 40.4% in rural areas.
- Frequent power outages: Households nationwide face an average of 6.7 blackouts weekly.
Adeniran emphasized the importance of the survey as a tool for understanding the dynamics of Nigerian households, informing policy decisions, and aiding economic planning.
Government’s Response
Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, represented by Dr. Zainab Pisagih, commended the survey’s role in guiding strategic planning and resource allocation. “The findings will transform how we approach decision-making and help us plan better for Nigeria’s economic growth,” Bagudu stated.
The survey findings serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to address food insecurity, rising poverty, and inadequate infrastructure to improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
