Abuja, Nigeria— Health experts have raised concerns over Nigeria’s worsening nutrition paradox, where citizens are consuming more food but receiving fewer essential nutrients.
A UNICEF report (2023) shows that thirty-seven percent of Nigerian children under five are stunted, seven percent are wasted, and twenty-two percent are underweight. Ironically, while children face undernutrition, more adults are battling obesity and diet-related illnesses.
The World Health Organization (WHO) links diets high in refined carbohydrates, fried foods, and sugary drinks to conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. This places Nigeria in what nutritionists describe as a “double burden of malnutrition”—the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition.
Why the Paradox Exists
Experts trace the problem to several factors. Urban lifestyles and fast-food culture have displaced traditional home-cooked meals. Rising food prices have also forced many households to prioritize filling but nutrient-poor staples such as rice, noodles, and garri over protein, fruits, and vegetables. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, food inflation hit 40.66 percent in May 2024.
In addition, nutrition awareness remains low. Many people equate eating large portions with being “well-fed,” while cultural beliefs still associate a chubby body type with good health. The aggressive marketing of processed and instant foods has further worsened the situation.
The Consequences
The cost of poor diets is becoming clear. A Lancet study (2023) identified unhealthy eating as a major cause of non-communicable diseases worldwide. In Nigerian cities, hospitals now record rising cases of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, childhood obesity, and persistent micronutrient deficiencies including iron, iodine, and vitamin A shortages.
The Way Forward
Experts recommend a return to nutrient-rich indigenous foods such as beans, millet, ofada rice, leafy vegetables, yam, and groundnuts. They also encourage smart shopping by choosing seasonal fruits, mixing vegetables into meals, and using affordable protein options like beans and groundnuts.
Nutrition education is another key step, with calls for schools, workplaces, and media platforms to emphasize food quality over quantity. Policymakers are urged to subsidize local produce, regulate unhealthy food advertisements, and strengthen food fortification programs.
A National Call
Analysts warn that Nigeria must rethink its food culture. Within the same family, a child may be stunted while a parent suffers from hypertension or anemia. The urgent question is shifting from “Did you eat?” to “What did you eat?”
Experts believe embracing Nigeria’s indigenous, nutrient-dense foods may hold the key to escaping the nation’s deepening nutrition trap.
By Makinde oyinkansola| August 31, 2025
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
