Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has reaffirmed its support for National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC over ongoing efforts to introduce sodium reduction regulations aimed at improving public health outcomes in Nigeria.
The assurance was given by CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, during a stakeholders’ engagement on proposed limits for sodium content in pre-packaged foods, where he commended the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, for her leadership and pledged continued advocacy support for the agency’s mandate.
The one-day engagement, held in Lagos, brought together key stakeholders and was convened by NAFDAC in collaboration with the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED).
Oluwafemi stressed the importance of sustained collaboration in tackling diet-related health challenges, noting that CAPPA would continue to support policies that protect Nigerians’ well-being.
In her remarks, Prof. Adeyeye said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s food regulatory framework and addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. She highlighted excessive sodium intake as a major risk factor linked to conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke.
Also speaking, NHED Technical Advisor, Dr. Jerome Mafeni, warned of increasing cases of non-communicable diseases among younger Nigerians, describing the trend as a growing public health concern.
The push for sodium reduction aligns with the 2025 National Sodium Reduction Guideline introduced by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which targets a reduction in daily sodium intake to below two grams per person by 2030 and a 25 per cent drop in hypertension prevalence.
Global partners, including the World Health Organization and Resolve to Save Lives, described the engagement as timely, urging sustained action to safeguard public health in Nigeria.
Leave a Reply