Economic hardship is forcing many Nigerian households to abandon balanced meals as rising food prices make protein, vegetables and other nutritious foods increasingly difficult to afford.
For many families, meal planning has shifted from deciding what would provide the best nutrition to simply finding foods that can stretch limited household incomes. Rising food prices, inflation and reduced purchasing power have encouraged households to rely more heavily on cheaper staples such as garri, yam, rice and other carbohydrate-rich foods.
A recent report highlighted the experience of families that have stopped regularly buying foods such as eggs, milk, meat and fish because of their cost. Some households now rely on simple meals that provide enough calories to reduce hunger but may lack adequate protein, vitamins and minerals.
Mrs Alele Hamzat, a mother of four cited in the report, said her family's breakfast had changed from fried eggs, tea with milk and bread to plain boiled yam or soaked garri. She said the priority had become eating enough rather than maintaining a balanced diet.
The situation is also affecting food businesses. Restaurant operators and food sellers say customers are buying less, reducing the number of meals they eat each day or choosing cheaper food options.
One restaurant owner, Dorathy Agbede, said demand for rice, beans and meals containing vegetables and assorted meat had dropped considerably. Some customers who previously ate breakfast and lunch now reportedly eat only once a day because of financial constraints.
As household budgets become tighter, some families are adopting different coping strategies, including skipping meals or reducing portion sizes. Others are replacing more expensive protein sources with cheaper foods that can feed more people.
Nutrition experts have warned that the consequences could extend beyond temporary hunger. A diet dominated by inexpensive carbohydrates while lacking sufficient protein, fruits and vegetables can contribute to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems.
Clinical nutritionist Dr Charles Alozie described the shift as a worrying development, noting that people who cannot afford fish, meat and vegetables may increasingly depend on heavily processed and carbohydrate-heavy foods.
The problem is particularly concerning for children and pregnant women because adequate nutrition is essential during periods of rapid growth and development. Poor nutrient intake during childhood can affect physical growth and cognitive development, while inadequate nutrition during pregnancy can create risks for both mothers and babies.
The country is also facing what health experts describe as a double burden of malnutrition. While some Nigerians struggle with undernutrition and deficiencies, others are increasingly exposed to diet-related conditions associated with excessive consumption of processed foods, salt, unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates.
The challenge is not simply about food availability but also affordability. A family may be able to find vegetables, fish, eggs or meat in a market but still be unable to purchase enough of them to provide a balanced meal for everyone.
Previous reporting has similarly documented how economic hardship has changed eating patterns in Nigerian households, with some families reducing the number of meals they eat each day and prioritising foods that can keep them full for longer.
Experts say addressing the problem will require measures that reduce food production and distribution costs. Lower agricultural input costs, improved transportation networks, better security for farmers and increased food production could help ease pressure on food prices.
Targeted assistance for vulnerable households could also help families maintain access to nutritious foods during periods of severe economic pressure.
For millions of Nigerians, however, the immediate concern remains putting food on the table. As household purchasing power continues to shrink, the ability to choose meals based on nutritional value is becoming a luxury many families can no longer afford.
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