The Supply of Specific Foodstuffs to the Military in Nigeria during the Second World War, 1939-1945

ABSTRACT: This study examined the supply of specific foodstuffs to the military in Nigeria during the Second World War, between 1939 and 1945; analyzing the logistical challenges and socio-economic impacts of this wartime procurement. Utilizing archival records, contemporary reports, and secondary sources, the research investigated the types of foodstuffs requisitioned, the methods of acquisition, and the roles of local distributors. It explored how the demands of the war effort affected agricultural production, distribution networks, and the availability of essential commodities for the civilian population. Ultimately, this study demonstrated the critical role Nigeria played in supplying the Allied war effort through its agricultural resources and highlights the lasting consequences of this wartime mobilization on the region’s food systems.

KEYWORDS: Foodstuffs, Military, Procurement, Requisitioned, Wartime Mobilization