Photo: CAPPA
By Mandy Park
Public health experts and food scientists have warned that the rising consumption of packaged foods high in sodium is fuelling the increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which often result in lifelong disability.
They noted that NCDs account for about 29 per cent of deaths in Nigeria, with 11 per cent linked to cardiovascular conditions.
Data also show that approximately 27 per cent of Nigerian adults are overweight or obese, while childhood obesity exceeds 30 per cent in some urban areas.
The experts raised the alarm during a one-day Journalism Training on Salt Reduction and Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) in Nigeria, organised by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
Speaking at the event, Mr Femi Joseph, Food Safety Technical Lead at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said the Federal Government is implementing measures to align Nigeria with global standards on daily salt intake in order to protect public health.
He referenced key policy frameworks, including the National Multisectoral Action Plan (NMAP) for NCDs 2019–2025, which targets a 30 per cent reduction in salt consumption by 2025.
According to him, the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its 2023 Implementation Plan prioritises healthy diets to reduce NCDs, including the introduction of mandatory salt targets and front-of-pack labelling based on national data.
He added that the 2024 National Guideline for Sodium Reduction proposes a phased 30 per cent reduction in sodium intake by 2030.
Joseph disclosed that average salt intake among Nigerians stands at 3.9 grams daily, far above the World Health Organisation’s recommended safe limit of 2 grams, contributing to an adult hypertension prevalence of about 38 per cent.
“High sodium consumption can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as stroke.
These conditions can become lifelong issues and cause disability. We want Nigerians to live full and healthy lives,” he said.
He added that with the implementation of the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction and support to subnational ministries of health, both the informal food sector and formal food industries would be regulated to ensure compliance with recommended sodium intake levels.
Also speaking, Bukola Odele, Project Officer for Cardiovascular Health at CAPPA, stressed that front-of-pack labelling is a critical policy tool for regulating salt intake.
She argued that back-of-pack labels have largely failed because they are complex and often too technical for the average consumer to understand.
“Back-of-pack nutrition facts tables are usually confusing and are sometimes used as marketing tools that can mislead consumers.
Front-of-pack labelling provides a clear and simple visual system that works across all educational levels,” Odele said.
She added that Nigeria’s shift from traditional whole-food diets to convenient, pre-packaged and nutrient-poor industrial foods makes the adoption of FOPL even more urgent.
According to her, FOPL is also a cost-effective preventive measure that can significantly reduce the long-term economic burden of treating chronic diseases on the health system.
Dr Jerome Mafeni, Technical Advisor at the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), noted that FOPL enables quick and informed consumer choices, addresses low nutrition literacy and reduces information overload.
He added that front-of-pack labelling encourages food manufacturers to reformulate their products into healthier options, stressing that nutrition labelling remains one of the key policy tools for promoting healthy diets.
Earlier, Dr Joseph Ekiyor, a public health consultant, urged Nigerians to reduce their intake of unhealthy diets, describing them as ultra-processed foods that are energy-dense, high in fat, sugar or salt, and low in fibre and essential nutrients.
“These foods are no longer in their natural form and offer little nutritional value,” he warned.
