Three health advocacy organisations have called on the Federal Government to urgently implement sodium reduction policies aimed at tackling the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.
The Network for Health Equity and Development, Centre for Communication and Social Impact and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa made the call in a joint statement released on Tuesday as Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate World Salt Awareness Week 2026.
The organisations said this year’s theme, “6 Ways to 6 Grams,” highlights the urgent need to reduce excessive salt consumption, which they described as a major contributor to hypertension, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and other non-communicable diseases across Nigeria.
According to the coalition, Nigerians currently consume an estimated 3.8 grams of sodium, equivalent to about 10 grams of salt, daily, nearly double the World Health Organization recommended limit of two grams of sodium or five grams of salt per day.
The groups warned that unhealthy diets and increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods high in sodium, sugar and unhealthy fats were worsening public health outcomes in the country.
Executive Director of CCSI, Babafunke Fagbemi, described excessive salt consumption as a growing public health emergency fueling rising cases of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases nationwide.
She called for sodium reduction to become a national health priority supported by enforceable government policies, including mandatory sodium reduction targets, front-of-pack warning labels and stronger public education campaigns.
Technical Adviser of NHED, Jerome Mafeni, noted that Nigeria’s healthcare system was already facing increasing pressure from the burden of non-communicable diseases and warned that the long-term economic and social implications could become more severe without preventive interventions.
Also speaking, Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, stressed the need for nutrition policies to align with broader public health objectives.
“As Nigeria responds to nutrition challenges, we must also ensure that food policies do not unintentionally encourage increased consumption of ultra-processed foods linked to rising cases of diet-related non-communicable diseases,” he said.
The organisations urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and Standards Organisation of Nigeria to introduce stricter regulations aimed at promoting healthier food environments.
Among the measures proposed were mandatory salt reduction targets for processed foods, front-of-pack warning labels on unhealthy products, intensified public sensitisation campaigns and increased support for healthier dietary choices.
The coalition also encouraged Nigerians to adopt healthier eating habits by reducing added salt and seasoning cubes, increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, and using natural spices such as ginger, turmeric, curry and fish powder as alternatives.
The organisations noted that healthy diets should not be viewed solely as matters of personal responsibility but as public policy issues requiring coordinated government action.
World Salt Awareness Week 2026 is being observed from May 11 to 17 with global advocacy efforts focused on reducing salt intake to prevent hypertension, stroke, kidney disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
