The Federal Government has announced plans to bolster food safety measures in Nigeria, following alarming statistics that unsafe food causes over 53,000 deaths annually in the country. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, revealed that Nigeria records nearly 50 million cases of foodborne illnesses every year, leading to a loss of 4.26 million years of healthy life due to illness, disability, or premature death.
Children Under Five Most Affected
Speaking at a briefing in Abuja to mark the 2026 World Food Safety Day, organized by the ministry in collaboration with the National Food Safety Management Committee (NFSMC), Salako expressed deep concern over the disproportionate impact on children. He stated that children under five account for over 80 percent of all foodborne disease burden in Nigeria. The minister highlighted that the true cost of unsafe food extends beyond sickness and death, affecting the cognitive, physical, and developmental potential of children.
Global and Regional Context
Salako referenced new data from the World Health Organization (WHO) showing that unsafe food causes an estimated 866 million cases of foodborne illnesses and 1.5 million deaths globally each year. He noted that Africa continues to bear the highest per-capita burden, with children under five suffering the most. The minister emphasized the need to focus on preventing long-term human capital loss rather than solely on adult productivity.
Major Causes of Foodborne Illnesses
The minister identified diarrhoeal pathogens as the primary drivers of foodborne diseases in Nigeria, with over 40 million diarrhoeal illnesses linked to pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Shigella, and rotavirus. These infections remain a major cause of hospitalization, malnutrition, and mortality among young children. Additionally, chemical hazards like lead exposure from contaminated grains, spices, and water sources contribute to tens of thousands of healthy years lost.
Link to Non-Communicable Diseases
Salako stressed that food safety is not only about preventing infections but also about reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases. He noted that Nigeria faces a rising epidemic of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, driven by unhealthy diets high in sodium, sugar, and trans-fatty acids. Strengthening food safety measures is crucial to addressing these health challenges.
The government, through the NFSMC and other stakeholders, is committed to implementing policies and initiatives to ensure safer food for all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable groups like children.
