By Babagana Wakil, Maiduguri
As Nigeria joins the global community in marking World Cancer Day 2025, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged both federal and state governments to develop and enforce comprehensive food policies aimed at reducing the rising burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The Media & Communications Officer at CAPPA, Robert Egbe noted that the widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods, tobacco, excessive sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and high-salt diets are major contributors to Nigeria’s growing cancer crisis.
He stressed the urgent need for policy interventions to safeguard public health and reduce preventable cancer cases.
Cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with over 120,000 new cases reported annually, according to the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment.
The National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan (2018-2022) estimates that Nigerians spend ₦12 billion annually on cancer treatment.
These figures, Egbe noted, emphasise the need for a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes prevention over expensive treatment options.
To mitigate these risks, CAPPA called on the government to adopt and enforce the following key pro-public health policies:
- Reducing Salt Consumption: Implement national guidelines to limit excessive salt intake.
- Increasing SSB Tax: Raise the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Tax from ₦10 to ₦130 per liter to reduce consumption, generate revenue for health interventions, and align with global best practices.
- Tightening Tobacco Regulations: Enforce stricter regulations on novel tobacco products targeted at young people and allocate more resources to the Tobacco Control Fund for enforcement and public awareness.
Egbe emphasized that while tobacco remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, excessive intake of SSBs raises the risk of obesity-related cancers, such as kidney and colon cancer.
Additionally, high salt consumption is linked to stomach cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, stressed the need for policies that foster healthy food environments by promoting nutritious diets and discouraging unhealthy consumption patterns. He advocated for:
- Fiscal policies that encourage healthier food choices, including subsidies for nutrient-rich crops.
- Clear front-of-package labeling to help consumers make informed dietary decisions.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on the link between diet and cancer.
By integrating these strategies, Egbe noted, the Nigerian government can build a comprehensive framework that addresses cancer risk factors and promotes a healthier population.
World Cancer Day, observed globally on February 4, this year carries the theme “United by Unique,” celebrating the resilience and experiences of individuals affected by cancer.
