According to UNICEF, Nigerians are not eating well, and the situation is alarming. About 7% of women of childbearing age are severely malnourished, meaning they lack the essential nutrients their bodies need to function properly. If these women become pregnant, both they and their unborn children could face serious health problems. This is a major concern.
The new minimum wage of N70,000, which some states have not yet implemented, is not enough to sustain anyone. For people to eat well and avoid malnutrition, the country must pay workers better wages.
In other countries, food shortages or high prices often lead to protests. For example, food riots, sometimes led by women, have brought France to a standstill in the past.
In the United States, the price of eggs has risen sharply due to bird flu. In Nigeria, where one egg costs N300, most families cannot afford this important source of protein.
To fight malnutrition, Nigeria must produce enough food and in the right proportions. Right now, the country is far from achieving this goal.
Many farmers, especially in the North, are too afraid to go to their farms because of the risk of kidnapping, robbery, or violence. Some are even forced to pay heavy taxes to bandits before they can plant or harvest their crops.
In January, more than 40 farmers were killed on their farms in Borno State by Boko Haram or its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province.
The Tinubu administration and security agencies must intensify efforts to stop the violence caused by these non-state actors.
The government should also review the many taxes imposed on the poor. Transporters face numerous illegal fees from both uniformed and non-uniformed officials. Farmers also face similar challenges when trying to move their produce to markets in towns and cities.
Traders are burdened with various charges and unnecessary taxes, leaving them with little or no profit at the end of the day.
To tackle malnutrition, Nigeria must change its approach and take decisive action.
