As the world marks World Salt Awareness Week 2025, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government to expedite the formulation of regulations for enforcing salt targets in processed and packaged foods.
According to CAPPA, this move is crucial in combating Nigeria’s growing prevalence of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Nigeria’s daily salt intake currently stands between 7-9 grams, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5 grams (equivalent to 2 grams of sodium).
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Excessive sodium consumption is attributed to at least 10% of cardiovascular disease deaths in the country and has been linked to the alarming rise in hypertension, affecting over 35% of adult Nigerians. CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, reiterated the organization’s support for the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction recently launched by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
However, he urged the Ministry to increase support to NAFDAC, which is drafting the regulations. CAPPA believes that implementing these measures will help Nigeria meet the WHO’s target of reducing global salt intake by 30% by the end of the year.
The organization also stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and civil society to promote healthier food choices and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.
