Experts have emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt robust policies to address the growing burden of non‑communicable diseases (NCDs).
The appeal was made on Wednesday during a media roundtable hosted by the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) in Abuja.
The session focused on reinforcing Nigeria’s healthy food policies through sodium reduction advocacy and the introduction of Front‑of‑Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL).
Speakers highlighted key strategies, including mandatory sodium limits in processed foods and clear warning labels, which would empower consumers with essential nutritional information.
Dr Joseph Ekio, a Global Health Resource Person, explained that excessive salt intake is a major risk factor for hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. “Cardiovascular diseases, along with cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses, constitute most NCD cases. These are now the leading global causes of illness and death,” he stated.
He underlined that low‑ and middle‑income countries like Nigeria bear a disproportionate share of NCD cases and require urgent action. “Sodium reduction is critical. Without concrete policy, efforts cannot succeed,” he noted, stressing the importance of consistent political will and robust media advocacy.
While acknowledging the necessity of salt for health, he cautioned: “Reducing intake—rather than eliminating it—is the goal. Repeated public messaging is essential for behaviour change.”
Abayomi Sarumi, Associate Director of the Food Justice Programme at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, added that the media must lead in highlighting the dangers of high salt consumption. “Accurate, persistent reporting can counter cultural norms and misinformation,” he said.
Joy Amafah from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator noted the harm caused by aggressive marketing of ultra‑processed products (UPPs), which contribute significantly to NCDs in Nigeria and across Africa. She emphasised the need for policy interventions such as Nutrition Profile Modelling (NPM), Front‑of‑Pack labels, and salt reduction.
The roundtable concluded that combating NCDs requires coordinated policy action, persistent media engagement, and consumer education to reduce salt intake, regulate food marketing, and halt the rise of diet‑related diseases.
