By Diana Tenebe

Nigeria’s agricultural cycles are deeply connected to its seasons. The transition from the rainy season, with lush harvests, to the dry, festive “Ember” months marks a critical period for food security and economic stability. During this time, the demand for food items surges due to holidays, celebrations, and increased social gatherings. For Nigerian farmers, businesses like food vendors and restaurants, and individual households, the strategic role of long-term food storage becomes paramount in navigating this period of high demand and potential price volatility.

For farmers, long-term storage is a direct antidote to post-harvest losses, a significant challenge that plagues the agricultural sector in Nigeria. Estimates suggest that a substantial percentage of total agricultural production—especially for perishable goods—is lost after harvest due to inadequate storage and processing facilities. This not only represents a financial loss for the farmer but also contributes to food scarcity and inflated prices in the market. By embracing effective storage practices, farmers can preserve their produce, such as grains (maize, rice, sorghum), tubers (yam, cassava), and even vegetables, beyond the harvest season.

Traditional methods, such as storing unthreshed cereals in mud rhombus or using local granaries, have been practiced for generations, but modern and improved techniques are now essential. Technologies like hermetic bags and silos, developed by institutions like the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, offer superior protection against pests, moisture, and spoilage, allowing grains to be stored for years without significant quality loss. This transforms a farmer’s yield from a seasonal commodity to a year-round asset, enabling them to release their produce into the market during off-season periods when prices are more favorable, thereby increasing their income and optimising their profits.

The benefits of long-term storage extend well beyond the farm gate to the bustling world of food businesses. For food vendors and restaurants, the Ember months are a period of heightened activity. Weddings, parties, and festive celebrations mean a constant need for a stable supply of food ingredients. The smart business owner knows that waiting to buy ingredients during this high-demand period is a recipe for disaster. The seasonal nature of certain crops and the general inflation that characterises the Ember months can lead to unpredictable prices and supply shortages.

To mitigate this risk, these businesses can strategically buy and store food items in bulk when they are in season and at their most affordable. For example, purchasing large quantities of rice, beans, palm oil, and pepper during harvest season allows them to lock in lower costs. Proper storage, whether through refrigeration, freezing, or using airtight containers for dry goods, ensures the quality and freshness of these ingredients are maintained. This practice not only safeguards their profit margins but also ensures they can consistently meet customer demand without being at the mercy of market fluctuations. It provides a competitive edge, allowing them to offer stable prices and reliable service to their clientele.

At the household level, long-term food storage is a crucial element of family budgeting and food security, especially with the rising cost of living. Nigerian families often engage in “foodstuff shopping” in bulk, a practice that becomes particularly important in the lead-up to the festive season. This involves buying staple foods like garri, rice, beans, and yams in large sacks or quantities. The storage of these items requires careful consideration to prevent spoilage. For example, storing garri and beans in airtight containers to ward off weevils and keeping tubers like yam in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space are common practices.

For perishable items, families leverage technologies like freezers and refrigerators to preserve meat, fish, and vegetables for an extended period. This proactive approach ensures that the family has a stable food supply, reducing the stress of daily market visits and protecting them from the inevitable price hikes that accompany the Ember period. It is a time-tested strategy for economic resilience and self-sufficiency.

The strategic role of long-term food storage in Nigeria is truly undeniable. It is a practice that empowers farmers by minimising post-harvest losses and enhancing profitability. It provides businesses with the stability and security needed to thrive during peak seasons, allowing them to maintain service quality and control costs. For families, it is a tool for smart financial management and ensuring food availability. While traditional methods have long been a part of Nigerian culture, there is an increasing need to integrate modern, scalable, and affordable storage technologies. By investing in and promoting effective storage solutions, Nigeria can strengthen its food value chain, reduce food insecurity, and build a more resilient and prosperous agricultural economy.

Diana Tenebe is the Chief Operating Officer of Foodstuff Store

By Saifullahi Attahir

I had the privilege of attending the Africa Youth Health Summit, organized by the Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations (FAMSA). The three-day event, held from September 11th to 14th, brought together over 200 passionate healthcare students and professionals at the United Nations House in Abuja.

It was a highly engaging program aimed at learning, networking, and shaping the future of healthcare in Africa. Delegates came from across the continent, representing diverse cultures, languages, backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities.

We had the honour of listening to representatives from major organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the United Nations, the Nigerian Ministry of Youth, IT experts, and several non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Numerous hands-on workshops were held on topics including public health advocacy, cutting-edge cancer management, transformational leadership, reproductive health issues, and health policy formulation.

One of the most memorable moments for me was sitting beside Nigeria’s Minister of Youth, Mr. Ayodele I even got a photo with him!

As part of the summit activities, we visited some remarkable places including the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), the Nike Art Gallery, and Abuja Magic Land.

The AMCE is a state-of-the-art facility developed by Afreximbank to reduce the trend of medical tourism from Africa to Europe. The center mirrors King’s College Hospital in London, both in its advanced medical technologies and professional expertise.

My visit to the Nike Art Gallery left a lasting impression on me. It was inspiring to see how art canis  transform waste into beauty and economic value. Some of the incredible artworkss were made entirely from discarded materials. It reminded me that Nigeria is brimming with untapped potential and creative brilliance.

As President of the National Association of Jigawa State Medical Students (NAJIMS) National Body, I used this summit as an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, share ideas, raise awareness about the health challenges in Jigawa State, and put our region on the African healthcare map.

I am deeply aware of the pressing healthcare issues in Jigawa—ranging from high maternal and infant mortality rates, vaccine misconceptions, mental health challenges, to inadequate infrastructure and manpower.

I now feel better equipped with the knowledge and connections to make a positive impact on my state and fellow medical students back home.

Panel sessions covered vital topics such as the role of Artificial Intelligence in medical practice, data-driven research, the ‘Japa’ syndrome, and youth inclusion in healthcare leadership.

Attending this summit was a priceless investment. The experience was transformative and the exposure invaluable. I truly enjoy traveling to impactful events like this—it pushes me out of my comfort zone, connects me with passionate individuals, and offers lessons that no textbook or classroom could ever fully teach.

Attahir is the President of the National Association of Jigawa State Medical Students (NAJIMS). He can be reached via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com

By Blaise Udunze

Nigeria today sits at a troubling crossroads where official statistics clash with the bitter truth of daily survival. Each month, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Federal Ministry of Finance release inflation figures, suggesting a country navigating economic turbulence with resilience. Yet, in kitchens across the nation, in the weary sighs of market women, and in the hollowed eyes of hungry children, a harsher reality emerges: empty pots don’t lie. Hunger, not percentages, is Nigeria’s truest inflation index.

In May 2023 the new government that took over promised bold reforms to “reset” Nigeria’s struggling economy. The administration swiftly removed fuel subsidies, unified exchange rates, and pledged fiscal discipline. On paper, these moves were meant to stabilize the naira and attract foreign investment. In reality, they set off a spiral of price shocks that Nigerians are still reeling from.

Though, the available official inflation figures suggest an economy “stabilizing.” The Finance Ministry and Central Bank of Nigeria have touted these adjusted numbers as signs of “resilience” and “progress.” Whilst in the markets of Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Imo, and Enugu, where rice prices have doubled and garri has tripled, the story is far grimmer. At Mile 12 in Lagos, a bag of rice that sold for N35,000 two years ago now fetches over N80,000, and a crate of eggs that once went for N1,200 in 2022 now costs N6,200. Tomatoes, onions, garri, and pepper, all staples of the average Nigerian meal, have surged beyond the reach of ordinary households.

Yet, the food inflation rate in August 2025 was 21.87 percent on a year-on-year basis. This was 15.65 percentage points lower compared to the rate recorded in August 2024, which was at 37.52 percent. The NBS noted that the significant decline in the annual food inflation figure is technically due to the change in the base year. “On a month-on-month basis, the food inflation rate in August 2025 was 1.65 percent, down by 1.47 percent compared to July 2025 (3.12 percent),” NBS stated.

These figures are not only implausible but also insulting to those whose lives have been torn apart by skyrocketing prices. With the realities facing the larger populace, Nigeria must be using another mathematics.

Between June and December 2024, headline inflation climbed from 34.19 percent to 34.80 percent, which is one of the steepest rises in recent history. But by January 2025, after the NBS rebased its Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 2009 to 2024, inflation figures suddenly “eased” to 24.48 percent and further down to 20.12 percent by August 2025.

This statistical sleight of hand may look neat on paper, but it fails to erase the truth:Nigerians spend 70-80 percent of their income on food, and for many, even that is not enough. Food inflation stood at 21.87 percent in August 2025, while core inflation (covering non-food items like housing, healthcare, and transport) was 20.33 percent. Month-on-month, both still tick upward, showing persistent pressure. One may be forced to ask: are the numbers being massaged to protect political narratives while burying social realities?Hunger is not something you can doctor with spreadsheets. The fact is ordinary Nigerians are eating less, skipping meals, and facing unprecedented food insecurity. These are realities no rebasing can hide.

Recently, the World Food Programme warned that more than 30.6 million Nigerians will face acute hunger in 2025, and 37 percent nationwide live below the poverty line. Meanwhile, over 133 million Nigerians are already trapped in multidimensional poverty. For them, inflation is not a statistic but a daily question of survival: will today’s wage buy one meal, or none at all?

When families can no longer afford bread, rice, or beans, official inflation percentages become meaningless. Empty pots have become the loudest, most honest economic indicator across Nigeria.

The titillated figures corrode public trust and widen the gulf between government and citizens. While policymakers in Abuja tout “stability” and “resilience,” protests, strikes, and discontent tell another story. A hungry people, it is often said, are an angry people, and Nigeria’s rising insecurity, urban unrest, and rural despair are clear symptoms.

Markets, not ministries, now dictate the pulse of the economy. Citizens are no longer fooled by polished reports; they measure inflation not by percentages, but by whether they can afford food for their families.

Today, churches are filling a gap left by weak government intervention. In spite of the “good-looking” inflation statistics, these religious bodies, especially in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, operate community kitchens where hot meals are served daily or weekly to the poor, homeless, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Their welfare arms supply food to widows, orphans, and jobless youth, while vocational programs in tailoring, farming, and catering help families achieve lasting food security.

Nigeria’s economy is being narrated in numbers that do not add up. The “available” inflation data may temporarily shield officials from criticism, but it cannot disguise the hunger that gnaws at millions. Inflation is no longer about rising prices; it is about shrinking lives. Empty pots across the nation are now louder than government press briefings.

Until the government confronts the gap between statistics and survival, hunger will remain the only honest inflation index in Nigeria.

Blaise, a journalist and PR professional writes from Lagos, can be reached via: blaise.udunze@gmail.com