The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, has raised concerns over the widespread dependence of Nigerians, particularly urban dwellers, on street food vendors for their daily meals. The institute warns that this practice poses significant health risks and could contribute to the outbreak of diseases such as cholera, especially with the onset of the rainy season.
Speaking at a recent media forum, Professor Stella Smith, the Director of Research and Head of the Department of Molecular and Biotechnology at NIMR, highlighted the dangers associated with consuming food from roadside vendors.
According to her, the reliance on street food vendors is particularly prevalent among low- and middle-income earners. Citing Lagos as an example, she noted that many working-class individuals frequently purchase food from these vendors without considering the potential health hazards.
She explained that some residents live in remote areas such as Ikorodu, Epe, or even as far as Ibafo, Mowe, or Sango Ota in Ogun State. Due to heavy traffic congestion, these individuals often leave their homes early in the morning and return late at night.
“As a result,” she pointed out, “many have no choice but to patronize street food vendors who sell ready-to-eat food at cheaper prices.”
Smith, a professor of microbiology, shared findings from a study conducted by her research team at NIMR, revealing alarming statistics about street food consumption.
“The study showed that approximately 50 per cent of urban dwellers regularly purchase foods such as fried akara, fish, meat, yam, rice, moimoin, okpa, ‘Abacha,’ smoked panla, and others from roadside vendors or bus stops,” she stated.
She further warned about the presence of dangerous pathogens in these foods, saying, “We investigated some of these foods and discovered that they contained Salmonella typhi, a foodborne pathogen that causes gastroenteritis—commonly known as stomach flu.
“If stomach flu, which is an intestinal infection, is not treated properly and promptly, it can lead to severe illness and even death.”
Highlighting the poor hygiene practices of some food vendors, Smith cited estimates that up to 200,000 Nigerians die from food poisoning annually.
She urged the Lagos State Government to strengthen its collaboration with stakeholders in monitoring and regulating street food vendors, particularly those operating without fixed addresses, to prevent avoidable illnesses and fatalities.
Earlier in the forum, the Director-General of NIMR, Professor Oladapo Obafunwa, emphasized the purpose of the institute’s monthly media chat.
He stated that the initiative serves to showcase NIMR’s research activities while also educating and encouraging the public to adopt healthier lifestyle choices.
