Economic Challenges and Child Malnutrition in Nigeria
In Sokoto, Nigeria, Maryam Aminu faced a harsh reality when her youngest child was diagnosed with malnutrition for the second time. The family’s economic struggles became severe after her husband, Shehu Aminu, lost his job due to escalating fuel prices linked to the conflict in Iran.
Maryam Aminu expressed her frustration and sadness when her 18-month-old child was diagnosed again. “Times are tough, and food is not consistent,” she lamented. The family’s two-room unfinished home in Kware, Sokoto, shows signs of hardship, with soot swirling in the air from the charcoal stove.
Local health and aid workers have observed an increase in child malnutrition cases in northern Nigeria, attributed to the ripple effects of the Iran conflict. Northern Nigeria, already under pressure from an insurgency crisis, faces further difficulties as the conflict worsens food security for millions, particularly children.
Meanwhile, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms have led to high inflation. Fuel subsidies were removed three years ago, and currency devaluation followed. According to a recent World Bank report, 139 million Nigerians are now poor or vulnerable. UNICEF warns that the ongoing Middle East conflict could push an additional 23.4 million children into poverty, with 80% in Africa and Asia.
“Children are paying the price of the conflict that is escalating in the Middle East,” stated UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “The longer this continues, the worse the consequences.”
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas passage, caused a global fuel shock, raising prices of necessities worldwide. In Nigeria, fuel prices soared from 800 nairas (58 cents) per liter in February to 1,400 nairas (1.02 dollars) by April, compounding food and essential goods prices.
In Sokoto, health workers reported an increase in relapsed child malnutrition cases. Records from a Sokoto hospital showed nearly 40 children treated for malnutrition since February had relapsed, alongside undocumented cases.
Health worker Halimah Muhammad voiced concern over the rising numbers. “I’m worried and sometimes angry,” she said. UNICEF’s Russell highlighted that rising prices and economic hardship could lead to long-term growth stunting in children from poor households. “Their development will be compromised,” said Russell. “It’s less likely they will stay in school due to financial pressure on parents.”
The Iran conflict also affects fertilizer supplies and prices, threatening the planting season in Nigeria’s predominantly agricultural north. Armed conflict further hinders access to farmland.
Shehu Aminu shared his distress: “I wake up unhappy, seeing I can’t support my family. What cost 2,000 nairas for a nutritious meal is now 5,000 nairas.” The family’s diet often consists of pap, a corn pudding, and rice. “There is no way to feed the children,” he stated.
The northwest of Nigeria sees continual attacks from bandits and expanding territory of Islamist militants, worsening the situation. Analysts indicate that the Iran war amplifies this impact. Ikemesit Effiong from SBM Intelligence noted, “This distant war offers no relief for the vulnerable in the north.”
Larai Malami, a mother of ten, experienced similar struggles after her husband could no longer work as a motorcyclist and left for Niger in search of employment. Her newborn also faced malnutrition diagnoses twice. Malami worries that without intervention, her child’s recovery might be permanently affected.
Aminu shares this concern, wishing her children were vibrant and joyful.