CAPPA supports NAFDAC’s sodium reduction initiative as stakeholders join forces for public health

Stanley Ihedigbo

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has reaffirmed its support for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as the agency advances regulations aimed at reducing sodium in pre-packaged foods, a key step in safeguarding public health.

According to the Media & Communications Officer, CAPPA, Robert Egbe, the endorsement came during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement, held in Lagos and convened by NAFDAC in partnership with the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED).

The session brought together regulators, health advocates, and global partners to discuss proposed regulations and strategies to curb excessive sodium consumption in Nigeria.

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, expressed confidence in NAFDAC’s leadership, commending Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye for her achievements in strengthening the country’s food regulatory framework.

“We stand with NAFDAC and will continue to support its public health mandate,” Oluwafemi said. “These decisions are difficult but necessary to protect the health of Nigerians.”

In her welcome remarks, Prof. Adeyeye emphasized the urgency of addressing diet-related non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke, which are rising in Nigeria and globally.

“Excessive sodium intake is a major dietary risk factor contributing to these conditions,” she said, highlighting the importance of regulatory interventions.

Technical Advisor at NHED, Dr. Jerome Mafeni, warned that the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases among younger populations could have long-term consequences for the nation’s health and development.

The engagement also highlighted the 2025 National Sodium Reduction Guideline, launched by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH&SW).

The guideline sets mandatory sodium limits for processed and pre-packaged foods, aiming to reduce average daily sodium intake to under 2 grams per person by 2030 and achieve a 25% reduction in hypertension prevalence.

Global health partners, including the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), described the engagement as timely and critical.

They urged continued vigilance and regulatory enforcement to ensure sustainable improvements in public health outcomes.

The meeting reinforced a shared commitment among regulators, advocacy groups, and international partners to implement effective sodium reduction policies, ensuring a healthier future for Nigerians.