By Milcah Tanimu
A new report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and World Bank reveals a significant decline in the quality of life for Nigerian households over the past two years. The 2023/2024 Nigeria General Household Survey-Panel (Wave 5) shows alarming increases in food insecurity, child stunting, and literacy gaps, particularly in rural areas.
The findings highlight that 45.4% of Nigerian households have experienced the relocation of at least one family member due to economic pressures. In addition, literacy remains a major challenge, with only 54% of individuals in rural areas being literate. Nationally, 76.1% of children aged 5 to 14 attend school, but rural-urban disparities remain.
Despite these challenges, the survey also reveals positive trends, including higher average years of schooling and significant growth in household entrepreneurship. The panel data allows for tracking critical changes in welfare, work, and socio-economic outcomes, which can inform future policy decisions.
The report also addresses health and infrastructure issues. Malaria is the most common illness, affecting 66.8% of the population, with urban areas slightly more affected. Electricity access remains starkly divided: 82.2% of urban households have power, while only 40.4% of rural households do. Inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water persist in many regions.
One concerning finding is that only 43.5% of women of reproductive age consume diets meeting minimum dietary diversity standards. Furthermore, 65.8% of households have been unable to afford nutritious food due to financial constraints. Southern Nigeria faces more food security challenges than the northern regions, with female-headed households particularly vulnerable.
The NBS and World Bank hope this data will drive evidence-based policy reforms to improve resilience and living conditions across Nigeria.
