As the rising cost of living continues to bite the Nigerian populace, both low and middle income earners especially, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the nation’s capital, a grim scene unfolds daily. The residents who are driven by hunger and desperate to survive now turn to the once rejected food. (unlikely source of sustenance) – bones meant for dogs. Gom Mirian, who visited some markets in the Federal Capital Territory writes on some of the realities faced by Nigerians.
Residents of the FCT are not finding it easy to cope with the harsh economic realities. Thus, countless numbers of families and households try various means including skiping meals, emergency autioning of personal properties and withdrawing children from school (to avoid school fees) just to have food.
But not only in the FCT, across the length and breadth of Nigeria millions of its citizens struggle daily to find food since the shortage of food reared its ugly head.
Food Shortage
The food crisis being faced by Nigerian population started about a year ago when the administration of President Bola Tinubu took over the mantle of leadership and the economy began a Macabre dance. Consequently, the country’s currency- the Naira became weaker, resulting in low purchasing power. Sadly, households have been at the receiving end. Salary earners are left groaning and lamenting the economic crunch at the end of every month. Their Take home can no longer take them home. To get themselves out the harsh situation and the economic quagmire millions of citizens resort to eating bones once meant for dogs.
Ordinarily, that would not raise fuss but the numbers of households boldfacedly scrambling for the meat for dogs in the guise of getting protein in their meals is concerning. It is pertinent to stress that the unfolding development is one of the implications of the collapsing economy. Needless to say that prices of goods and services are currently on the roof top, as headline inflation soars. Multinationals are already at the departure hall to finally exit the country, having announced shutdown of their operations.
A Disguised Necessity
At the break of dawn in Pata Abattoir in Lugbe, a satellite town in the FCT, a somber scene plays out as men and women sift through abattoirs, selecting bones with a mix of shame and resignation etched on their faces.
To the casual observer, it may seem like they are purchasing protein-rich treats for their families, or disguised as a means of getting protein in their diets, but the reality is far more sobering. These bones are not a luxury but a means of staving off hunger, a desperate attempt to fill empty stomachs in a country plagued by poverty and food insecurity.
“A few years back, nobody paid much attention to these bones, we would usually just give them to dog owners,” Kazeem, a seasoned butcher at the Berger-Lugbe market, explained to Africa Health Report. “But now that meat prices have gone up, the demand for bones has skyrocketed in recent months. People are now searching for affordable sources of nutrition, opting for the bones. You can see that the bones are all gone, but we still have meat left.”
Despite the inadequacy of bones as a protein source, some residents justify their consumption by stating, “Once the mouth is chewing, the stomach will be satisfied.” The affordability of bones has made it an attractive option for poorer families seeking a semblance of nutrition amidst the economic turmoil.
Dog owner Oluwatobi Kazakh, said his dogs love eating bones but because people are now eating the bones, it is now expensive to buy bones for his dogs.
Echoes of Hardship
The economic landscape in Nigeria has been marred by steep inflation, exacerbated by President Tinubu’s policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation. The repercussions are stark, with necessities becoming increasingly unattainable for the majority of Nigerians.
A kilo of meat, once a staple for families, which can go around a family of six to eight in a day, now costs N5,500 naira ($3.56), surpassing the daily income of many citizens.
The Stark Reality of Poverty
The statistics paint a grim picture of the state of poverty in Nigeria. With over 40.7% of the population living below the poverty line. With the cost of living soaring and wages stagnating, the situation has only worsened under President Tinubu’s administration. The removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the country’s currency has further strained the already fragile economy, pushing more Nigerians into the depths of poverty and hunger.
President Tinubu’s administration has come under fire for its handling of the economic crisis, with many accusing the government of failing to take decisive action to alleviate the suffering of the people. While state governments have made some efforts to provide relief, such as distributing food aid and implementing social welfare programs, these measures have been insufficient to address the scale of the crisis.
Anti-Hunger Protesters Blocked Roads in Niger State
Earlier this year, in Niger state, central Nigeria, protesters blocked roads and held placards saying that they were being suffocated by the rising prices.
A few days later there was a similar demonstration in Kano in the north-west. In the aftermath, Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf admitted there was starvation in his state and said a solution must be found.
Recently, the former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged the gravity of hunger faced by Nigerians in the country and recommended farming as the way out of the hunger that plagues the country.
The solution, for now, for some individuals is found in scavenging for bones as a means to stave off hunger.
Amid the market chaos, our correspondent who visited the Kubwa village market spoke with individuals purchasing bones like Samson, a struggling university student; and Fatima, a retired civil servant. Their stories paint a poignant picture of the daily struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians under Tinubu’s administration.
Samson’s voice filled with frustration laments, “I should be focusing on my studies, but hunger gnaws at me every day. These bones are all I can afford, and they are becoming too expensive. Imagine, this was sold for N200 naira, ($0.13) and now is N500 naira, ($0.32) and is likely to increase with the demand, how can we survive like this?”
When asked if the bones would satisfy his hunger, Samson replied, “Certainly, once you chew them well and realise that the bones are flavorful as they are from the meat. Just chew, drink plenty of water, and your stomach will be full in no time.”
Dutse-Alhaji Market
While at the Dutse-Alhaji Market, Fatima, once a respected civil servant, now reduced to scavenging for bones, reflects, “I served my country with pride, but now I can barely afford a decent meal.” “I never imagined I would have to feed my grandchildren bones just to keep them from going to bed hungry. The prices of food have skyrocketed, and we have no choice but to make do with whatever we can afford,’ she explained. “For two months I haven’t received my pension, which is my only source of income. Tinubu promised us a renewed hope, but all I see is despair and hunger.”
Presidency Reacts
The Presidency has said it is doing all it can about the situation, including the distribution of more than 100 tonnes of grains such as rice, millet and maize in the hope that it would cushion the effects of inflation and help lower the market price.
But the president’s aide Bayo Onanuga upset many recently when he said that Nigeria still had one of the lowest costs of living in Africa.
Although the rising cost of protein may seem like a recent issue, sellers argue that it is influenced by various longstanding factors. These include the high cost of transportation expenses due to fuel subsidy removal, ongoing security challenges nationwide, and the criminal activities of cattle rustlers.
Mr. Tinubu also ended the policy of pegging the price of the currency, the naira, to the US dollar rather than leaving it up to the market to determine based on demand and supply. The central bank was spending a lot of money maintaining the level.
But scrapping the peg has led the naira’s value to plunge by more than two-thirds, briefly hitting an all-time low last week.
Last June, N 20,000 naira would buy $26. 16, now it will only fetch around $12.94.
As the naira is worth less, the price of all goods has gone up.
When Will Things Get Better?
While the president is unlikely to reverse his decisions on the fuel subsidy and the naira, which he argues will pay off in the long run by making Nigeria’s economy stronger, the government has introduced some measures to ease the suffering.
Kashim Shettima
Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced the establishment of a board charged with controlling and regulating food prices. The government also ordered the national grain reserve to distribute 42,000 tonnes of grains, including maize and millet.
This is not the first time the government has said it is distributing aid to poor and vulnerable Nigerians, but labour unions have often criticised the government’s method of food distribution, saying much of it does not reach poor Nigerian families.
The government has also said it is working with local traders to bring down prices including that of sources of protein like meat affordable to an ordinary Nigerian. This however didn’t see the light of the day.
Around 15 million poorer households are also receiving a cash transfer of 25,000 naira ($16) a month, but these days that doesn’t go very far.
Economic Implications and Solutions
Africa Health Report, (AHR) spoke to Dr. Simon Ajegi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at the Benue State University, about the implications of the current situation.
He stressed the need for urgent action to address the root causes of poverty and hunger in Nigeria. “We cannot continue to ignore the plight of the most vulnerable in our society,” she said. “It is imperative that the government takes decisive action to address the systemic issues that have led to this crisis.”
Dr Ajegi also highlighted the economic implications of the current crisis, warning that the situation could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s stability and development. “When a large segment of the population is unable to feed themselves, it creates social unrest and undermines economic growth,” he explained. “It is in the interest of everyone to ensure that no one is left behind.”
As the sun sets on the markets, leaving behind a trail of empty stalls and weary faces, the need for urgent action becomes clear.
Governments at all levels must prioritize poverty alleviation programs, invest in sustainable agriculture, and create opportunities for economic empowerment.
President Tinubu’s administration must listen to the cries of its people and take decisive steps to address the root causes of hunger and poverty.
Amid this bleak reality, there is a glimmer of hope – the resilience and strength of the Nigerian people. Despite the hardships they face, they continue to persevere, holding onto the belief that better days are ahead. It is time for leaders to listen, to act, and to ensure that no Nigerian has to resort to eating bones meant for dogs just to survive.
