As the world marks World Obesity Day 2026, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has called for tougher regulations to curb the aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages in Nigeria, warning that urgent policy action is needed to stem the rising burden of obesity and other noncommunicable diseases, NCDs.

In a statement commemorating this year’s theme, “8 billion reasons to act on obesity,” the group described obesity as one of the most pressing global health challenges, citing projections that nearly half of the world’s population, about four billion people, could be living with overweight and obesity by 2035.

CAPPA noted that Nigeria is not immune to the trend, attributing rising obesity rates to shifting dietary patterns, rapid urbanisation, and the increasing dominance of ultra-processed foods in the national diet.

The organisation warned that the widespread availability and marketing of foods high in sugar, salt, and trans fats are contributing to growing cases of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other diet-related conditions across the country.

Citing data published by the National Library of Medicine, CAPPA stated that as of 2020, over 21 million Nigerians aged 15 and above were overweight, while more than 12 million were classified as obese.

The group expressed particular concern over the targeted advertising of unhealthy products to children and young people through television, digital platforms, in-school promotions, and outdoor advertising, especially during festive periods.

Referencing its recent report titled Unhealthy Food Hijack of Festive Periods in Nigeria, CAPPA alleged that food and beverage corporations deliberately shape children’s taste preferences to secure long-term consumers.

To address the crisis, CAPPA urged governments at all levels to enact and enforce regulations restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children across all platforms.

The organisation also renewed its call on the National Assembly to review Nigeria’s Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) tax upward, describing the current rate as insufficient to significantly reduce consumption.

It recommended increasing the tax to 50 percent of the retail price, in line with guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), arguing that stronger fiscal measures would discourage excessive intake and generate revenue for health financing.

Beyond taxation, CAPPA advocated for mandatory Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) to clearly indicate when products are high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats. The group said visible warning labels would empower consumers to make informed choices and encourage manufacturers to reformulate products.

Additionally, CAPPA called for the development and enforcement of a comprehensive national salt reduction regulation, noting that excessive sodium intake is linked to obesity and hypertension, a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease affecting millions of Nigerians.

As global stakeholders reflect on the theme of World Obesity Day 2026, CAPPA stressed that Nigeria must demonstrate strong political will to protect public health.

“Protecting present and future generations from diet-related diseases requires effective policies, firm regulation, and political will that puts people before profit,” the organisation stated.