Amidst the worsening economic crisis in Nigeria, fueled by soaring prices of fuel and inflation, citizens have been forced to adopt unconventional survival strategies, including the consumption of animal feed in some cases. As daily necessities become more expensive, many are turning to desperate measures just to make ends meet.
In Plateau State, women in Jos have resorted to feeding their families with maize chaff, locally known as ‘dusa’, typically reserved for animal consumption. Mrs. Gladys Tonggang, a concerned resident, expressed shock upon hearing about a pregnant mother of four using ‘dusa’ to feed her children after grinding it into a meal. With increasing demand, the price of this animal feed has reportedly risen by N500.
The effects of this economic downturn extend beyond food choices. A mechanic, Mr. Monday Adetola, shared that his customer base has significantly dwindled as fewer people can afford to drive their cars, leading to a reduction in vehicle maintenance needs. Similarly, a tailor named Murtala Musa has had to close his shop and switch to selling noodles and eggs due to the lack of customers.
In Ekiti State, a civil servant, Mr. Deji Ilori, disclosed that his family is skipping meals and relying on less nutritious food options as the cost of living skyrockets. With fuel prices reaching N1,000 per liter, he has abandoned his car and turned to public transportation, drastically altering his daily routine and diet. Other residents, like Uwamba Favour, a small business owner, are facing mounting expenses and dwindling profits, forcing them to sell products at cost price just to avoid further losses.
In Osun State, some women in Osogbo have resorted to street begging to feed their families. Taiwo, a mother of two, narrated how her husband’s struggles as a driver have left them dependent on neighbors for basic food supplies. Similarly, Usman Faruk, a student at Obafemi Awolowo University, has been working as a laborer to sustain himself, though even this is not enough to cover his food expenses.
Public transportation has also become a preferred option for many in Akwa Ibom State, where civil servants and private individuals alike are parking their vehicles due to the prohibitive cost of fuel. Estate surveyor, Madam Chinyere Ndon, now restricts her movements to essential trips, while tricycle operator Mr. Odudu Umoh laments the low profitability of his business due to the high cost of fuel and low passenger turnout.
In Cross River State, many residents have turned to urban farming to combat the rising cost of food. Even civil servants are using any available land to grow crops such as cassava, vegetables, and yams, while some, like Mr. Genesis, have transformed their homes into small farms to sustain themselves. Others are selling off personal items to cope with the harsh realities.
Meanwhile, in Ogun State, residents like Mr. Bolade Adeniyi, a taxi driver, have adapted by working only during peak hours, supplementing their income with backyard farming. Civil servants like Mr. Olorode Akinlabi have even turned their personal vehicles into commercial ones, ferrying passengers after work to meet financial obligations.
Kaduna State residents are also feeling the brunt of the crisis, with some families eating only once a day. In rural areas, people are relying on the goodwill of neighbors or resorting to wild plants for food. In Benue, citizens have stopped making non-essential trips due to high transportation costs, and many are growing their own food to survive.
Across Nigeria, the economic hardships have led to various survival strategies, from farming in urban spaces to selling off possessions. However, the common cry from citizens is for government intervention to ease the burden through fuel price adjustments and support for those struggling to provide for their families. Without such measures, the nation’s most vulnerable may continue to endure unimaginable hardship.