CAPPA backs NAFDAC on sodium reduction to curb health risks

By Johnson Arua

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has reaffirmed its support for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in its ongoing efforts to develop regulations aimed at safeguarding public health through reduced sodium levels in pre-packaged foods.

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, made this known during a stakeholders’ engagement on proposed sodium reduction regulations held in Lagos on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The one-day meeting, convened by NAFDAC in collaboration with the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), brought together key players in the health and regulatory sectors.

According to a statement by CAPPA’s Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe, Oluwafemi commended the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, for her leadership and achievements, while pledging continued support for the agency’s public health mandate.

“We are delighted to be here today. All I can say to you, Madam DG, is congratulations,” Oluwafemi said. “We remain committed to advocacy that strengthens public health and will continue to support NAFDAC as it takes necessary steps to protect Nigerians.”

In her remarks, Prof. Adeyeye highlighted the urgency of addressing diet-related non-communicable diseases, noting a steady rise in conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke both globally and in Nigeria.

“Excessive sodium intake has been identified as one of the leading dietary risk factors contributing to these conditions,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of regulatory action.

Also speaking, NHED Technical Advisor, Dr. Jerome Mafeni, warned of increasing cases of non-communicable diseases among younger populations in Nigeria, describing the trend as a growing public health concern with long-term implications.

The engagement aligns with the 2025 National Sodium Reduction Guideline launched by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which sets targets to reduce average daily sodium intake to less than 2 grams per person—equivalent to 5 grams of salt—by 2030, alongside a 25 percent reduction in hypertension prevalence.

Global health partners, including the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), described the initiative as timely and critical.

They urged NAFDAC to sustain its efforts while commending the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its leadership in advancing public health reforms.