Only 21% of Nigerian Households Are Food Secure – Startling Report Reveals

Amidst escalating insecurity and soaring food prices across Nigeria, a recent report unveils a distressing reality: a mere 21% of Nigerian households can access adequate food.

The sobering findings stem from the 2021 National Food Consumption and Micronutrients Survey report, jointly unveiled in Abuja by the Federal government, international partners, and key stakeholders in the food sector.

According to the report, a staggering 79% of households in Nigeria grapple with food insecurity, with 59% experiencing moderate levels and 20% facing severe food insecurity.

Dr. Olarinwaju Isiaka, one of the researchers involved, highlighted that 41.5% of households lacked the financial means to purchase food in the seven days preceding the survey. Additionally, a concerning 23% of households lacked proper toilet facilities, underscoring broader issues surrounding sanitation and hygiene.

The report delves deeper, revealing disparities in water access across regions. While 62.9% of households have access to improved water sources, breakdowns show disparities. For instance, 42.6% rely on borehole systems, with only 1.1% enjoying piped water access. Notably, the South East and South South zones lag behind in piped water access, while the Western and Northern regions show better infrastructure.

Dr. Michael Ojo, Country Director of GAIN, expressed dismay over stagnant water supply rates, citing a decline from 11% to a mere 1.1% over a decade. He emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address systemic issues plaguing Nigeria’s food supply chain, stressing the importance of holistic solutions from production to post-consumption waste management.

In light of the report’s grim revelations, Ojo underscored the imperative of combating poverty and ensuring food accessibility for all Nigerians. He advocated for increased capacity building and value addition to curb food wastage, urging stakeholders to work collaboratively towards a sustainable and inclusive food system.