Hunger In The Land As Common Man Deals With Soaring Food Prices, Even At ‘Mama Puts’

BY ISAAC ASABOR*

Nigeria, a country known for its vibrant culture, bustling markets, and flavorful cuisine, is currently dealing with a crisis that affects the majority of its people: food inflation. Lagos, for example, which remains the country’s economic hub, has become a battleground where ordinary citizens must confront the harsh reality of rising food prices. As they queue at roadside food stalls known as “Mama Puts,” their meagre budgets stretch thinner, and the aroma of affordable meals fades into memory.

Picture this: A bustling Lagos street corner with the sun beating down relentlessly. The air is thick with the aroma of fried plantains and spicy jollof rice. However, for many Lagosians, these enticing aromas are bittersweet. As food prices rise, once-affordable street food feels like a luxury.

Mama Puts, once a lifeline for those looking for a quick and inexpensive meal, is now in a precarious situation. Their profit margins are shrinking as ingredient costs rise dramatically. The woman who used to sell steaming bowls of amala is struggling to keep her business going. The man with the sizzling suya grill watches his regular customers leave, their wallets too thin to indulge.

“Madam, how much is a plate of fried rice?” a tired commuter asks, wiping sweat from his brow. The food vendor pauses, her gaze shifting to the price list. “It is ₦1000 today,” she says, her voice apologetic. The man’s face falls; he can only afford half that amount. He walks away, stomach grumbling, wondering how he will eat, not to mention his family tonight.

At a nearby Mama Put, a young girl holds a few crumpled naira notes. She looks longingly into a bowl filled with “Eba” wraps, tempted to salivate. “Just two wraps, please,” she pleaded. The vendor shook her head. “I apologise, dear. The cost is now ₦200 per person, including meat or “Ponmo”. The girl’s eyes well up, and she walks away, her hunger unsatisfied.

Given the country’s unprecedented hunger crisis, economists and food security experts point to a number of factors exacerbating the situation, including rising transportation costs. Experts’ views on the cause of the food crises are not unreasonable, given Nigeria’s north-south divide. The north, a breadbasket of agricultural produce, feeds the south. However, inefficient transport infrastructure impedes the flow of goods; as diesel prices rise, so do food prices.

In a similar vein, many experts and casual commentators have linked inflationary pressure to the country’s current hunger. Rising food prices, including peppers, tomatoes, palm oil, garri, and rice, have made it difficult for families to afford meals. The situation is exacerbated by the unprecedented rise in cooking gas prices.

In addition to the foregoing, the removal of fuel subsidies has a retrogressive impact. In fact, eliminating fuel subsidies has a domino effect. As fuel prices rise, transportation costs skyrocket, undoubtedly affecting food distribution and accessibility.

Lagosians are resilient, but their resilience is tested on a daily basis, and many observers and consumers agree that urgent solutions are required to combat food inflation.

Still offering solutions to food crises, many commentators and consumers believe that governments should invest in infrastructure, arguing that improved roads, railways, and storage facilities can streamline food distribution, benefiting both producers and consumers.

There is also a school of thought that believes that in order to increase local food production, small-scale farming should be encouraged by empowering local farmers, arguing that when communities grow their own food, they become less reliant on expensive imports.

In a similar vein, there are strong calls for the subsidisation of essential goods, as targeted subsidies for staple foods can alleviate the burden on low-income families.

However, as the general public navigates the maze of rising food prices, it is important for everyone to remember that hunger knows no bounds. The roadside food sellers, also known as “Mama Puts,” who were once the heartbeat of our streets, deserve government support. Let the government, through policies aimed at boosting the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector of the economy, empower Nigerians to engage in roadside food businesses, not just for affordable meals, but for a future in which no one goes to bed hungry.

Without resorting to a smear campaign in this context, it is worth noting that since President Bola Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, the affordability of roadside foods in Nigeria has become a pressing concern for the average citizen. In fact, despite the critical need to address food security, the situation has deteriorated, with many people struggling to afford basic meals. In fact, the scarcity of affordable food items has reached critical proportions, affecting vulnerable populations across the country. Unfortunately, the government’s priorities appear misplaced, as evidenced by the N90 billion subsidy for pilgrims to Mecca and Jerusalem, which yields no tangible return on investment.

It should also be noted in this context that, in response to the crisis, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency for food security, recognising the gravity of the situation. His directive is intended to ensure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food for all Nigerians. However, more should be done. The government must take immediate action to relieve the burden on the common man by enacting effective policies, promoting local food production, and ensuring equitable pricing. Only through concerted efforts can we prevent further suffering and ensure that no one goes hungry in our country.