The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has raised serious concerns about the rising inflation and increasing food prices in the country. According to NESG, these economic challenges could lead to worsening malnutrition and food insecurity for millions of women and children in Nigeria.
Dr. Tayo Aduloju, the Chief Executive Officer of NESG, spoke at a press conference organized by the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) over the weekend. The briefing took place ahead of NESG-PIC’s upcoming Gender and Inclusion Summit 2024 (GS-24), scheduled for September 4 and 5 in Abuja.
The summit’s theme is “Reimagining Gender-Inclusive Pathways and Partnerships for Poverty Reduction.”
Dr. Aduloju highlighted the findings from the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023, which placed Nigeria at 109th out of 125 countries, indicating severe levels of hunger. He noted that women, girls, and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity due to inflation and the worsening economic situation.
Dr. Aduloju stated, “In 2024, around 26.5 million Nigerians are projected to be food insecure, with about 4.8 million at risk in the conflict-affected northeast.
“Similarly, approximately 9 million children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition, impacting their growth and further perpetuating poverty.”
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He pointed to several factors contributing to the increase in food insecurity and malnutrition, including conflict, climate change, inflation, and rising food prices.
“These issues underscore the urgent need for the Gender and Inclusion Summit 2024, which aims to develop gender-inclusive strategies for poverty reduction,” he explained.
Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, the Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre, also spoke at the press conference. She emphasized the profound challenges faced by many Nigerian families due to the intersection of poverty and gender inequity.
“Many families in Nigeria are experiencing severe poverty, exacerbated by disparities in access to resources and opportunities,” she said.
Dr. Dirisu highlighted that Africa is home to a significant proportion of the world’s poorest and marginalized populations. Despite economic growth in some regions, poverty remains widespread, with many people living below the poverty line of $2.15 per day.
“The slow progress of many African countries in achieving their full social and economic potential has been linked to the failure to embrace gender equity,” she added.