Sunday, September 14, 2025 - 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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