A coalition of non-governmental organisations has called on the Federal Government to implement urgent sodium reduction measures in processed foods.
The organisations — the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) — made the call in a joint statement issued in Abuja.
The statement was signed by their communication officers: Mrs Tessy Maina (NHED), Mrs Anna White-Agbo (CCSI), and Mr Robert Egbe (CAPPA).
They said the measures are necessary to curb the rising cases of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and other non-communicable diseases linked to excessive salt consumption in Nigeria.
The groups also urged the government to prioritise access to safe, healthy, and nutritious foods for Nigerians.
According to the organisations, the 2026 World Salt Awareness Week theme, “Salt It Out”, underscores the urgent need to address excessive salt consumption in the country.
They noted that Nigerians consume an estimated 3.8 grams of sodium (about 10 grams of salt) daily — almost double the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended limit of 2 grams of sodium or 5 grams of salt per day.
“Excess salt consumption is no longer a silent issue. It is now a major public health emergency contributing to the alarming rise in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases across the country,” the statement quoted the Executive Director of CCSI, Babafunke Fagbemi, as saying.
Fagbemi stressed that reducing sodium intake must become a national health priority, supported by enforceable policies such as mandatory sodium targets, front-of-pack warning labels, and stronger public awareness campaigns.
Dr Jerome Mafeni, Technical Adviser of NHED, warned that Nigeria’s healthcare system is already under severe pressure from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and may struggle to cope with the long-term social and economic consequences if urgent preventive measures are not taken.
Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, said that while efforts to address micronutrient deficiencies are important, nutrition policies must also align with broader public health goals.
“As Nigeria responds to nutrition challenges, we must also ensure that food policies do not unintentionally encourage increased consumption of ultra-processed foods linked to rising cases of diet-related non-communicable diseases,” he said.
The organisations urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and other stakeholders to take proactive steps, including enforcing mandatory salt reduction targets for processed foods, introducing front-of-pack warning labels, intensifying public education campaigns, and creating healthier food environments.
They also encouraged Nigerians to reduce the use of added salt and seasoning cubes, use natural spices such as ginger, curry, turmeric, and fish powder, eat more fresh foods, fruits and vegetables, and pay closer attention to food labels.
“As we mark World Salt Awareness Week, we must recognise that healthy diets are not just a matter of personal choice but also of public policy. The government has a responsibility to create food environments that protect health rather than undermine it,” the statement added.
World Salt Awareness Week 2026 runs from May 11 to 17.
