Nigeria: Child malnutrition worsens as cost of living climbs

Nigeria is witnessing a sharp rise in child malnutrition as the cost of living surges, driven by global conflicts and domestic economic policies. In the small town of Kware, Sokoto State, Shehu Aminu, a taxi driver, watched helplessly as his youngest child fell ill with malnutrition for the second time in April. His family, once struggling with economic hardship, found themselves further destitute after he lost his job in February due to a dramatic increase in fuel prices linked to the war in Iran. Now, with limited means to support his six children, Aminu admits he can barely afford basic meals, let alone nutritious ones. The situation in northern Nigeria has grown dire, with health workers reporting a noticeable uptick in cases of childhood malnutrition. This region, already among the poorest in the country, faces compounded challenges from both internal instability and external factors. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global energy markets, leading to a surge in fuel costs that reverberates throughout the economy. Fuel prices in Nigeria rose sharply from 800 naira ($0.58) per liter in February to 1,400 naira ($1.02) in April, pushing up the cost of essential goods and services. According to a recent World Bank technical report, approximately 139 million Nigerians are classified as poor or at risk of poverty. If the Middle East conflict persists, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warns that up to 23.4 million additional children could slip into monetary poverty by year-end, with the majority residing in Africa and Asia. The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping channel for global oil and gas, exacerbated the fuel crisis, sending shockwaves through global supply chains and driving up prices for everything from groceries to fertilizers. In Sokoto, the impact is palpable. Health workers at local hospitals report an alarming increase in children being admitted for malnutrition, many returning to clinics after brief periods of recovery. Records from a hospital in Sokoto indicate that nearly 40 children previously treated for malnutrition have been readmitted since February, with others remaining undocumented. Halimah Muhammad, a health worker, expressed concern over the rising numbers, noting that more mothers are bringing their malnourished children to health facilities than ever before. The consequences extend beyond immediate hunger. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted during her visit to Sokoto that prolonged exposure to malnutrition can lead to irreversible developmental delays. Children from impoverished households face heightened risks of stunting, which can impair cognitive development and educational attainment. “Their development will be compromised, and they are less likely to stay in school because their parents are under such immense financial strain,” Russell explained. Compounding these issues is the impact of the war on agricultural production. Fertilizer shortages and inflated prices threaten the upcoming planting season, particularly affecting farming communities in northern Nigeria. These communities, already strained by violence from armed groups, now face another layer of uncertainty as they struggle to secure land and resources necessary for sustenance. For Shehu Aminu, the reality is painfully clear. He recalls a time when 2,000 naira ($1.50) was sufficient to feed his family. Today, even 5,000 naira ($3.65) feels like a drop in the ocean. As the war continues and economic pressures mount, the future for children like his seems increasingly uncertain.