INTRDOCUTION
In Nigeria today, eating healthy is no longer merely a lifestyle choice — it’s increasingly becoming a privilege. As inflation continues to erode household incomes, food has transformed from a symbol of culture and comfort to a daily struggle for survival. The most pressing question for many families is: Can we still afford to eat healthy?
Once Fresh, Now a Luxury
For decades, the Nigerian diet was abundant in fresh produce, whole grains, and home-cooked meals. Food wasn’t just sustenance; it was a celebration of community and culture. However, today, the cost of maintaining a balanced diet has soared.
A short trip to the market unveils the painful reality. A crate of eggs costs over ₦3,000. Protein sources like fish, beef, and chicken are quickly becoming reserved for special occasions. Perhaps the most surprising change has been the price of fruits.
Once viewed as a natural, everyday snack, fruits like bananas, pineapples, oranges, and apples are now nearly a luxury. A small bunch of bananas can cost over ₦1,500. A pineapple? ₦1,200 or more. Apples — once a staple in kids’ lunchboxes — are now so expensive that some schools have eliminated fruit snacks altogether from their feeding programs.
The Health Toll
The nutritional consequences are dire. As people replace nutrient-dense foods with cheaper, starchy alternatives, health problems are beginning to rise. Malnutrition is creeping back into homes, especially among children. Adults are seeing increases in lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, all linked to poor diets and food insecurity.
In poorer communities, these effects are clearly visible. Some children go to school with only water or puff-puff in their stomachs. For many parents, buying fruits regularly now feels like a luxury reserved for the wealthy.
Is There Still Hope for Healthy Eating?
Despite these challenges, some Nigerians are finding creative ways to maintain healthy eating habits:
● Buy local and seasonal: Fruits and vegetables in season are often cheaper and fresher.
● Cook in bulk: Preparing meals ahead can reduce costs and waste.
● Grow your own: Rooftop gardens, home pots, and community plots are gaining popularity.
● Buy directly from farmers: Markets like farmers’ cooperatives offer better prices than supermarkets.
These aren’t perfect solutions, but they serve as reminders that some healthy choices are still attainable, especially when communities collaborate and knowledge is shared.
Policy, Not Just Personal Choices
Eating healthy should not be left to chance or class. It requires support and policy. If Nigeria hopes to improve public health outcomes, it must make nutrition a national priority. This means:
● Supporting smallholders and local farmers
● Subsidizing healthy staples like beans, vegetables, and fruits
● Expanding school feeding programs to include fruit and protein
● Promoting urban agriculture and nutrition awareness
Final Thought
Food shouldn’t feel like a gamble. In a country so rich in agricultural potential, no one should struggle to afford tomatoes, eggs, or a bunch of bananas. Eating healthy in Nigeria today requires intentionality, creativity, and assistance from both the community and the government. With better policies and public awareness, eating well can become less of a privilege and more of a right again.
