Civil Society Organizations Advocate for Stricter Salt Regulations in Nigeria
A coalition of civil society organizations has issued a strong appeal to both federal and state governments in Nigeria, urging the implementation of mandatory salt limits and the introduction of front-of-pack labelling for processed and pre-packaged foods. This initiative aims to address the escalating prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, heart disease, and kidney failure, which are increasingly linked to excessive salt consumption.
Rising Health Concerns and Statistical Evidence
The coalition, comprising the Network for Health Equity and Development, the Centre for Communication and Social Impact, and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, highlighted alarming statistics in a joint statement. They revealed that the average Nigerian consumes approximately 10 grams of salt daily, nearly double the World Health Organization's recommended limit of five grams. Furthermore, nearly 29 percent of deaths in Nigeria are now attributed to non-communicable diseases, with high salt intake identified as a significant contributing factor.
Call for Enforcement and Clear Labelling
While acknowledging the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare's efforts in launching the National Guidelines for Sodium Reduction in 2025, the coalition emphasized that enforcement is crucial to achieving Nigeria's target of a 30 percent reduction in salt intake by 2030. They stressed that consumers often struggle to make informed dietary choices due to hidden or complex nutrition information on food labels.
The statement argued, "Consumers cannot be confident in the products they buy if critical nutrition information is hidden or difficult to understand." The coalition advocated for clear, easy-to-read warning labels on the front of food packages, noting that many commonly consumed items such as noodles, bouillon cubes, bread, snacks, and salad dressings contain high salt levels, often obscured by technical or hard-to-read labelling.
Global Effectiveness and Regulatory Action
The coalition pointed out that mandatory front-of-pack labelling has proven effective globally in helping consumers quickly identify foods high in salt, sugar, or fat, thereby supporting healthier dietary decisions. They added, "Food safety goes beyond contamination; it includes nutritional safety. When consumers are unaware of hidden salt in their foods, their right to make informed choices is compromised."
To ensure compliance, the coalition urged relevant regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, to enforce mandatory salt targets in processed foods. They reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with government agencies, public health experts, and other stakeholders to create a healthier food environment and empower consumers with better information.
