In a recent press briefing, Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) collaborated with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) to issue a critical warning to the Nigerian populace regarding the escalating levels of salt consumption in our diets. Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director, expressed deep concern over the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, across our nation.
Hypertension, primarily linked to elevated salt or sodium intake, accounts for a staggering 12% of deaths in Nigeria, as disclosed by Oluwafemi. Our youth, who are embracing fast food, processed foods, and seasonings, are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of heightened salt intake.
Presently, Nigeria is witnessing an alarming estimated daily salt consumption of up to 5.8 grams, surpassing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 2 grams of sodium per day or less than 5 grams of salt per day – equivalent to just one teaspoon of salt daily.
According to the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance, NCDs, such as cardiovascular disease, are the leading causes of death and disability globally. Disturbing statistics highlight significant shifts in the Nigerian diet over the past decade, with local market shelves inundated with processed foods and seasonings loaded with high sodium, coupled with the proliferation of unhealthy fast-food outlets, posing an imminent threat to public health.
Recent reports underscore the prevalence of unbranded and unmeasured seasoning in Northern Nigeria, further accentuating concerns about the unregulated sales of Monosodium glutamate. Commending the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for signing the validated policy on Food Safety and Quality (FS&Q), Oluwafemi views this as a positive step.
To safeguard Nigerians, Oluwafemi underscores the need for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMHSW) and the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to take proactive measures in formulating and enforcing healthy food policies within the country. He calls upon competent agencies responsible for legislation and the implementation of food safety standards to devise effective strategies for regulating large food industries, SMEs, and street food vendors, urging the setting of mandatory salt limits for all food products in line with global best practices.
As the festive yuletide season approaches, CAPPA urges the government, particularly the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and NAFDAC, to prioritize policies focusing on mandatory salt targets in Nigeria. This emphasis aims to ensure that more Nigerians opt for healthy and nutritious food, thereby enhancing the nation’s health for shared prosperity.
Dr. Jerome Mafeni, Technical Advisor at NHED, emphasized in a press conference the urgent public health concern posed by excessive salt consumption in Nigeria, contributing to the escalating burden of NCDs such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke. Studies indicate that high salt intake constitutes a significant risk factor, accounting for 29% of all deaths in Nigeria.
Dr. Mafeni called for collaboration with relevant government agencies to establish clear guidelines and targets for salt reduction in various food categories. He underscored that reducing salt intake could substantially decrease the incidence of hypertension and related diseases, resulting in improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
The regulations proposed by NHED and CAPPA aim not only to address the mounting challenges of non-communicable diseases but also to cultivate a culture of healthier eating, thereby positively impacting the overall health of the nation. Stay informed, stay healthy. Visit our website for more details and resources on salt reduction initiatives in Nigeria.
