A recent report released by StatiSense, based on data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has shed light on Nigeria's significant food expenditure in 2019. According to the report, Nigerians collectively spent an astounding N22.78 trillion on food consumption that year.
The statistical report, titled "Consumption Expenditure Pattern in Nigeria," delved into the details of how this massive sum was allocated across various food categories. It highlighted the country's inclination towards carbohydrates and starchy roots, such as potatoes, yams, cassava, cocoyams, and plantains. Nigerians spent a staggering N2.53 trillion on this class of food, likely influenced by cultural values.
Rice emerged as another popular staple among Nigerians, with over 90 percent of the population incorporating it into their diet. Despite the substantial increase in rice prices over the years, the report revealed that Nigerians still allocated N1.98 trillion, representing 4.9 percent of total food expenditure, to this grain. Encouraging domestic rice production has been a key focus of agricultural policies under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Initiatives like the Anchor Borrowers scheme, driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), have aimed to boost local rice production and reduce the country's reliance on imports. As a result, experts from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) project that Nigeria, already the leading rice producer in Africa, could become a global leader in rice production by 2045.
The report also highlighted the significance of vegetables in Nigeria's food consumption, with Nigerians spending N1.76 trillion on onions, tomatoes, okras, peppers, amaranthus, carrots, melons, ewedu (Corchorus olitorius), sobo (Hibiscus sabdariffa), and baobab leaves (Adansonia digitata) in 2019.
In addition to these major food categories, the report provided insights into other food expenditures. Fish and seafood, grains and flours, meat, pulses, nuts, and seeds accounted for N1.33 trillion, N1.31 trillion, N1.19 trillion, and N1.16 trillion, respectively.
Further breakdowns indicated that fruits, oil and fats, baked/processed products, and poultry and poultry products claimed N1 trillion, N990 billion, N964 billion, and N880 billion of Nigerians' food expenditure.
The report's findings reflect the significant role that food plays in the lives of Nigerians and underscore the importance of policies aimed at promoting domestic production and reducing dependency on imports. As the country continues to invest in agricultural initiatives and embrace sustainable practices, it can pave the way for increased food security, economic growth, and a healthier population.