Nigerians should embrace cheaper protein options like edible insects, Nutritionist advices as price of meat and fish soars

A former President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Wasiu Afolabi, has advised Nigerians to adopt cheaper, yet highly nutritious alternatives to animal protein amid economic challenges. 

Afolabi noted that many households now struggle to afford conventional protein sources like beef, chicken, or fish. However,  he pointed out that there are accessible and affordable substitutes that can help prevent malnutrition. 
 

He said Nigerians have a long history of consuming certain insects that are rich in protein, although such practices are fading with younger generations, Punch reports. 
 

He told the publication: “Now, as for cooking, there are alternatives. These include beans, soybeans—which can be processed—and also some unconventional protein sources, such as edible insects. 

“There are several insects we used to consume that are rich in protein. There are also toads, which are edible proteins, though I don’t know if they are still easily available because some of them have become expensive. People can also eat snails and other small protein sources.” 
 

Afolabi also highlighted mushrooms as another valuable option, describing them as both nutritious and culturally familiar in many Nigerian communities. 

“Mushrooms are another good option. They are a delicacy, and they provide protein along with fibre. Soybean is especially important because in advanced countries it is used to produce what we call meat analogues—texturised soy products that look and taste like meat but are plant-based. Soybeans are very beneficial and versatile,” he explained. 
 

The professor added that lentils and other less common legumes can play a role in diversifying diets. 

“In addition, lentils and some other less common legumes can also be consumed. Traditionally, we also ate crickets, termites, and other edible insects. These are very good protein sources, though the younger generation may not be as familiar with them,” he noted. 

He further recommended locust beans, particularly when combined with crayfish, as a suitable protein substitute in soups and stews. 

“Other alternatives include locust beans, especially when fermented and processed. Locust beans, when combined with ground crayfish, can serve as a meat replacement in soups. These traditional foods are highly nutritious, though many children today are no longer accustomed to them,” Afolabi said. 

He also recommended crayfish as an alternative, but maintained that its rising cost could limit access for many families. 

“Crayfish can be adopted, but they are also becoming very expensive. However, they remain a good protein source, particularly when ground and added to soups and stews,” he added. 

Professor of Public Health Nutrition, Ignatius Onimawo, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of Ave Maria University, Abuja, stressed that the citizens should explore several alternatives that would give the same results. 

He said, “Things are expensive, but you can make it less expensive for yourself by choosing the best or cheaper alternatives. It is a question of nutritional education to understand what those alternative foods are that can give you what you really want. 

“There are groups of foods that have the same nutrients, including energy, minerals, and proteins. There are always different and cheaper alternatives. With adequate information on nutrients, Nigerians can prepare cheaper meals and still eat healthily. 

“If you do not eat meat, chicken, or fish on a particular day but you eat beans, groundnuts, or bambara nuts (okpa), you still have taken protein for that day; it’s just that one type of protein is animal-based while the other is plant-based. Though one is a superior protein, it does not mean the body won’t survive without it.”

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