Hussaini Kafi in Kano
A recent survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with the World Bank has revealed a stark picture of food insecurity and poverty in Nigeria.
The report, titled “General Household Survey-Panel Wave 5,” indicates that a significant portion of Nigerian households are struggling to afford basic food items due to rising prices.
According to the report, 71% of Nigerian households are grappling with food price shocks, leading to reduced food consumption.
While over 65% of Nigerians are unable to access a healthy diet due to poverty.
The report also revealed that 63.8% of households are forced to consume a limited variety of foods, stressing that 62.4% of households express concern about food shortages, and 60.5% are compelled to eat less than they should.
The survey also highlights the impact of rising energy costs, with 82.2% of urban households and 40.4% of rural households experiencing frequent power outages.
The Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, emphasized the importance of the survey in providing valuable insights into the economic well-being of Nigerian households.
The data collected will be used to inform policy decisions and address the challenges faced by the population.
Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and Dr. Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, both acknowledged the significance of the survey in guiding effective planning and resource allocation.
The findings of this report underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to alleviate poverty, improve food security, and enhance access to essential services in Nigeria.
