Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up strong, healthy, and full of potential. But in many parts of Nigeria, an essential building block of childhood development is often missing from the plate: protein.
While carbohydrates often take center stage in the average Nigerian meal, protein – the nutrient responsible for muscle growth, brain development, immune strength, and overall vitality – remains under-consumed, particularly among children in low- to middle-income households. This nutritional imbalance, though less visible than hunger, is a silent crisis affecting our country’s future.
Beyond Body Size: What Protein Really Does for Children
It’s a common misconception that protein is mainly for bodybuilders or athletes. In truth, protein is the foundation of every child’s physical and mental development. It supports cognitive function, energy levels, hormonal balance, and the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Research by the Global Protein Project shows that nearly one in three Nigerian children is at risk of protein deficiency, particularly in rural communities where access to diverse food sources is limited. This often leads to stunted growth, weakened immunity, and poor academic performance – setbacks that can follow a child for life.
Consider the story of Laurat, a 24-month-old girl from Lagos who faced severe malnutrition following an illness. Her health deteriorated rapidly, leading to extreme wasting, low energy levels, and frequent illnesses. Recognizing the urgency of her condition, she was enrolled in the NUMEPLAN program by the Lagos Food Bank Initiative.
Through a personalized therapeutic nutrition plan that included ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF), nutrient-dense meals, and high-protein diets, Laurat’s health saw remarkable improvement. Over a period of three months, her weight increased from 5.7kg to 8.5kg, and her mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) improved from 9.8cm to 14cm. She transformed from a lethargic and frail child to a vibrant, thriving toddler with no signs of malnutrition
This is where the Right to Protein campaign steps in. Launched to raise awareness about protein deficiency and empower Nigerians with knowledge, the campaign captures a simple but powerful message indicating Every child has a right to protein.
While affordability may be a key challenge, Nigeria is blessed with local protein sources that are both cost-effective and rich in nutrients: beans, groundnuts, eggs, fish, soy products, milk, and even lesser-used sources like millet and snail.
To scale impact, pairing nutrition education with agricultural policies that support protein-rich farming, school feeding programs that include adequate protein, and public-private partnerships to increase food access in underserved areas is encouraged.
Other approaches are:
- Parents can incorporate a variety of local protein sources into meals.
- Schools can integrate protein education into health and science classes.
- Policymakers can subsidize protein-rich food production and support community-based nutrition initiatives.
- Everyone can talk about protein – in the media, at home, in markets – to break the silence around its importance.
The future of Nigeria lies in the health of our children. It’s time we stop viewing protein as optional. Instead, let’s recognize it for what it truly is: a right, a necessity, and a national priority.
For more information about the Right to Protein campaign, visit www.righttoprotein.com
