By Folasade Akpan
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.
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 Con-communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
“Excessive sodium intake is a major, modifiable driver of high blood pressure and avoidable illness across our population.
“The toll of poor diets extends beyond the clinic, it reduces household income, weakens workforce productivity, and increases the fiscal burden of healthcare on families and the state.”
Anas said reducing population-level sodium intake was both a public health and economic imperative, calling for coordinated action among ministries, regulators, industries, and communities.
She noted that the Federal Government was advancing the draft Sodium Reduction Regulation and the FOPL Framework, in alignment with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) SHAKE Package.
“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.”
Anas added that Nigeria’s sodium reduction and clear labelling initiatives align with the year’s global theme, symbolising the country’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, said Nigeria’s average daily sodium consumption stands at 3.9 grams, nearly double the WHO’s recommended two grams.
He said the ministry had developed the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction (2024), which sets mandatory sodium targets for more than 30 processed and packaged food categories.
“We are adopting a phased approach — a 15 per cent reduction by 2027 and 30 per cent by 2030 — to ensure consumer acceptance.
“FOPL is science-based and uses a nutrient profile model to balance positive nutrients like fibre and protein with negative ones such as saturated fat, salt, and sugar.”
He said 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) were key players, industries must also reformulate products and share best practices.
He, however, identified data gaps and monitoring challenges as major issues that need to be addressed to track progress.
Also speaking, Dr Mya Ngon, Team Lead for Disease Prevention and Control at WHO Nigeria, commended the government for its leadership in advancing sodium reduction.
“We appreciate Nigeria’s strong leadership and the active involvement of partners and the media.
“NCDs such as hypertension and stroke are not infectious but diet-related, placing a burden on individuals, families, and the health system.
“Public awareness and FOPL are vital in helping people make healthier food choices.”
Ngon 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, Resolve to Save Lives, Nigeria, said addressing food insecurity should go beyond food availability to include food quality and nutritional value.
“Nearly everyone consumes more than the recommended daily salt intake, leading to about two million deaths globally each year.
“Excess salt weakens communities and economies. Clear labelling empowers consumers to make informed choices, while industries must be mandated to reformulate products and comply with policy frameworks.”
Dr Jerome Mafeni, Technical Lead, Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), said sodium reduction and FOPL set clear limits on salt levels in packaged foods and make nutrition information easier for consumers to understand.
“These policies address both supply and demand, reformulating what is produced and empowering what is chosen.
“They are among the most cost-effective ways to prevent diet-related NCDs. The media is essential in translating data into relatable stories that inspire public action.
“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.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
