The Nigeria Heart Foundation (NHF) has urged Nigerians to adopt healthier food choices amid a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Executive Director Dr. Kingsley Akinroye made the call at a summit marking the first NHF Heart Mark Logo Awareness Month, held Thursday in Lagos.
Akinroye said the initiative guides consumers toward healthier food options, noting that products bearing the Heart Mark logo meet defined nutritional standards.
“The essence of this summit is important because the number one killer disease in Nigeria is heart disease—and it’s preventable. Healthy diets reduce the risk and help manage existing conditions. A product with the Heart Mark logo allows quick identification of healthier options without reading detailed packaging information,” he said.
Launched in 2003 in partnership with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the food industry, the programme promotes healthy eating, supports research, and improves food quality standards. Certified products are re-evaluated annually to ensure continued compliance.
Akinroye noted that early product testing had to be conducted abroad due to the absence of accredited laboratories in Nigeria, but the establishment of four local facilities has improved the situation.
He encouraged food manufacturers to enrol their products in the certification scheme and called for increased public awareness of the Heart Mark logo.
Dr. Alayo Sopokan, Deputy National Coordinator of the NCDs Department at the Federal Ministry of Health, said NCDs are now the leading cause of death globally and are rising steadily in Nigeria. He commended NHF for its advocacy.
Prof. Salisu Abubakar, President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, stressed the role of proper nutrition in preventing chronic diseases, while Prof. Wasiu Afolabi, former President of the Nutrition Society, highlighted that cardiovascular diseases account for about 27 percent of related deaths. He attributed the trend to urbanization and the increased consumption of processed foods high in salt, trans fats, and saturated fats, calling for urgent consumer education and food reformulation.
The summit included expert presentations on strategies to curb the rising incidence of NCDs and promote healthier lifestyles nationwide.
