Abuja: The Federal Government has emphasised the urgency of addressing excessive sodium intake, describing it as not merely a health issue but an economic priority requiring collective and sustained action across all sectors. Dr Salma Anas, the Special Adviser to the President on Health and Policy, stated this in Abuja at a media engagement on Sodium Reduction and Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) to commemorate World Food Day 2025.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the global theme for this year’s commemoration is ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.’ Delivering a keynote address titled ‘Protecting Nigerians’ Health through National Leadership and Commitment to Global Action on Sodium Reduction and FOPL,’ Anas said Nigeria faces a rising burden of preventable, diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Anas highlighted that excessive sodium intake is a significant, modifiable cause of high blood pressure and avoidable illnesses across the population. She added that the impact of poor diets extends beyond health, affecting household income, workforce productivity, and increasing healthcare costs for families and the state.
Anas emphasised the need for coordinated action among ministries, regulators, industries, and communities to reduce population-level sodium intake, framing it as both a public health and economic imperative. She shared that the Federal Government is advancing the draft Sodium Reduction Regulation and the FOPL Framework, in alignment with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) SHAKE Package. Anas stated, “Through these efforts, Nigeria is demonstrating real leadership in translating global health goals into local progress. We are committed to fostering an environment where every Nigerian can see, know, and choose healthy food options.”
The sodium reduction and clear labelling initiatives align with the year’s global theme, symbolising Nigeria’s resolve to work ‘hand in hand’ with partners to ensure better foods and healthier futures. Mr Femi Stephen, the Sodium Reduction Project Lead at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, reported that Nigeria’s average daily sodium consumption stands at 3.9 grams, nearly double the WHO’s recommended two grams. He outlined the ministry’s National Guideline for Sodium Reduction (2024), which sets mandatory sodium targets for over 30 processed and packaged food categories, with a phased reduction approach targeting a 15 per cent decrease by 2027 and 30 per cent by 2030.
Stephen noted that while regulators such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) play crucial roles, industries must also reformulate products and share best practices. He identified data gaps and monitoring challenges as significant issues needing resolution to track progress effectively.
Dr Mya Ngon, Team Lead for Disease Prevention and Control at WHO Nigeria, commended the government for its leadership in advancing sodium reduction. Ngon highlighted the importance of public awareness and FOPL in helping people make healthier food choices and reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in implementing policies that ensure healthy, safe, and nutritious food environments for all citizens.
Mrs Nanlop Ogbureke, Executive Director of Resolve to Save Lives, Nigeria, stressed that addressing food insecurity should extend beyond food availability to include food quality and nutritional value. Ogbureke stated that excessive salt consumption leads to approximately two million deaths globally each year, weakening communities and economies. She advocated for clear labelling to empower consumers in making informed choices and mandated industry compliance with policy frameworks.
Dr Jerome Mafeni, Technical Lead at the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), highlighted that sodium reduction and FOPL establish clear limits on salt levels in packaged foods and simplify nutrition information for consumers. Mafeni noted that these policies address both supply and demand by reformulating products and empowering consumer choices, making them among the most cost-effective ways to prevent diet-related NCDs. He emphasised the media’s essential role in translating data into relatable stories that inspire public action, stating, “Better health begins with better information. By reducing sodium and ensuring that nutrition labels speak clearly to consumers, Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward better foods and a better future.”