By Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Nigerian government to strengthen healthy food policies as part of efforts to tackle the rising burden of diet-related diseases across the country.
The advocacy group made the call in a statement issued to mark the 2026 World Food Safety Day, observed globally on June 7 under the theme, “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere.”
CAPPA said food safety should extend beyond preventing contamination and foodborne illnesses to addressing excessive consumption of salt, sugar, unhealthy fats and harmful additives, which contribute to non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, stroke, kidney disease and certain cancers.
The organisation warned that Nigeria is facing a growing public health challenge driven by changing dietary habits and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages. It also expressed concern over what it described as weak regulatory measures that leave consumers vulnerable to unhealthy products.
Speaking on the issue, CAPPA Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the country must adopt policies that place public health above commercial interests.
“Food safety is not only about preventing food poisoning. It is also about ensuring that the foods and drinks available to Nigerians do not slowly undermine their health and wellbeing.” he said.
According to him, millions of Nigerians are already living with diet-related illnesses that continue to place significant pressure on families, healthcare facilities and the national economy.
CAPPA commended the Nigerian Senate for passing a bill aimed at strengthening the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax framework, describing the development as an important step toward reducing excessive sugar consumption and improving public health outcomes.
”The Senate has demonstrated leadership by recognising that excessive consumption of sugary drinks carries serious health and economic consequences. We urge the House of Representatives to complete the legislative process without delay.” the statement read.
CAPPA also renewed its demand for the establishment of a national sodium reduction target, stressing that excessive salt intake remains a major contributor to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria.
In addition, it advocated the introduction of Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling (FOPWL) for packaged foods and drinks, saying the measure would enable consumers to make informed choices while encouraging manufacturers to improve product composition.
“Nigerians have a right to know when products contain excessive amounts of salt, sugar, or unhealthy fats. Front-of-pack warning labels are simple, effective, and evidence-based tools.” the statement noted.
The organisation further called for stricter regulations on the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children. It argued that young people are increasingly exposed to targeted advertising through television, social media, schools and sporting activities.
”Children deserve protection from sophisticated marketing practices designed to shape their food preferences and consumption habits. Public health must take precedence over corporate profits.” the organization added.
The organisation warned that resistance to healthy food policies often mirrors strategies previously employed by the tobacco industry to delay or weaken public health measures.
Oluwafemi said attempts to challenge scientific evidence, promote voluntary measures in place of regulation and influence public policy have become recurring tactics in efforts to oppose food safety reforms.
CAPPA called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), lawmakers and consumer advocacy groups to work together in creating healthier food environments for Nigerians.
The organisation maintained that food safety should be viewed as a broader public health issue, stressing that truly safe food is food that promotes health and reduces the risk of preventable diseases.
