Nigerian Families Are Borrowing Just to Put Food on the Table

Some Nigerian households now spend as much as 120% of their income on food, according to a recent government statement. For many families, earnings no longer cover basic needs, forcing them to borrow simply to eat. The pressure affects nutrition, healthcare and children’s education. While long-term reforms are needed, immediate support must help households survive without pushing them into high-interest debt. Government can expand reliable cash transfers, tackle food costs through better security, storage, rural roads and irrigation, and ensure transport support translates into lower fares and food prices. It should also clearly account for savings from subsidy reforms. At home, families may need to protect food spending, buy affordable nutritious staples, reduce waste, cook in bulk and explore safe extra income or savings groups. What immediate step should government take to make food more affordable?

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