NHED, CCSI, CAPPA advocate healthier food policies to tackle Non-Communicable Diseases

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate World Salt Awareness Week 2026, three leading public health advocacy organisations have called on the Federal Government to urgently implement comprehensive sodium reduction policies to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases across the country.

The organisations — Network for Health Equity and Development, Centre for Communication and Social Impact, and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, made the call in a joint statement issued on Tuesday to mark the global campaign themed, “Salt It Out.”

According to the coalition, excessive salt consumption has become a major public health concern in Nigeria, contributing significantly to the rising cases of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and other diet-related non-communicable diseases.

The groups noted that the campaign serves as a timely reminder for governments, industries, communities, and individuals to adopt practical measures aimed at reducing daily salt intake to the globally recommended limit of five grams or less.

The organisations expressed concern that Nigeria is currently facing an increasing health crisis driven by unhealthy dietary patterns and the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods rich in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

Citing publicly available health data, the coalition disclosed that Nigerians consume an estimated 3.8 grams of sodium daily, equivalent to about 10 grams of salt, nearly double the recommendation of the World Health Organization, which advises a maximum intake of 2 grams of sodium or 5 grams of salt per day.

Executive Director of CCSI, Babafunke Fagbemi, described excess salt consumption as a growing national emergency that can no longer be ignored.

According to her, the alarming increase in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases across Nigeria is directly linked to unhealthy dietary practices, especially excessive sodium intake.

Fagbemi stressed that sodium reduction must become a national health priority, supported by strong and enforceable policies such as mandatory sodium limits for processed foods, front-of-pack warning labels, and sustained public awareness campaigns.

Also speaking, Technical Advisor of NHED, Jerome Mafeni, warned that Nigeria’s healthcare system is already under severe pressure from the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases.

He cautioned that without urgent preventive measures, the long-term social and economic consequences of diet-related illnesses could become overwhelming for families, communities, and the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.

On behalf of CAPPA, Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi emphasised the need for Nigeria’s nutrition policies to align with broader public health objectives.

Oluwafemi acknowledged the importance of addressing micronutrient deficiencies but warned against policies that could unintentionally encourage increased consumption of ultra-processed foods associated with rising rates of obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.

He maintained that while tackling nutrition challenges remains essential, government interventions must equally prioritise healthier food systems capable of protecting citizens from harmful dietary habits.

The coalition, therefore, called on the Federal Government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and Standards Organisation of Nigeria, to take immediate and proactive steps toward creating healthier food environments for Nigerians.

Among the recommendations put forward were the enforcement of mandatory salt reduction targets for processed foods, the introduction of front-of-pack warning labels on ultra-processed products, intensified public awareness campaigns on the dangers of excessive salt intake, and stronger support for healthier food policies nationwide.

The organisations also encouraged Nigerians to embrace healthier dietary habits by reducing the use of added salt and seasoning cubes while increasing the intake of fresh foods, fruits, and vegetables.

They further advised citizens to explore healthier natural alternatives such as ginger, curry, turmeric, and fish powders as substitutes for excessive sodium-based seasonings.

The coalition equally urged consumers to pay closer attention to food labels and make informed choices that promote healthier living.

The statement emphasised that healthy diets should not be viewed solely as a matter of personal responsibility but as a critical public policy issue requiring decisive government action.

According to the groups, governments have a duty to create food systems and environments that protect public health rather than expose citizens to preventable health risks.

World Salt Awareness Week 2026 runs from May 11 to May 17 and focuses on reducing dietary salt intake globally to improve health outcomes and prevent hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

The campaign continues to advocate stronger collaboration among governments, health advocates, food manufacturers, and the public to encourage healthier eating habits and reduce preventable deaths associated with excessive sodium consumption.