By Damilola Adeleke

Nutrition experts have highlighted ways Nigerians can maintain a healthy diet despite the soaring cost of food. They emphasized that healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive, as proper education and access to the right information are essential.

According to Professor Ignatius Onimawo, Vice-Chancellor of Ave Maria University, affordable alternatives can provide the necessary nutrients for a balanced diet. He noted that knowledge about nutrition allows individuals to substitute expensive items with cheaper options, such as beans or groundnuts instead of meat or fish, to meet protein needs.

Professor Beatrice Ogunba from Obafemi Awolowo University echoed similar sentiments, advising Nigerians to focus on affordability and variety. She recommended incorporating foods of different colors into meals to ensure adequate nutrient intake. Ogunba also encouraged families to engage in backyard farming to grow vegetables and rear chickens, which can reduce reliance on market prices.

Meanwhile, Professor Wasiu Afolabi of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, admitted that the current food inflation—reported at 39.93% in November 2024—has made it challenging for many Nigerians to access a balanced diet.

However, he advised people to explore locally available and affordable options, including legumes, cereals, and vegetables, to meet their dietary needs.The experts collectively urged Nigerians to embrace subsistence farming as a sustainable solution to mitigate the impact of rising food prices while maintaining a healthy diet.