The Federal Government has pledged to safeguard Nigerians’ Health through Sodium Reduction and Food Labeling Initiatives. Dr. Salma Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health, pledged during a World Food Day 2025 media event in Abuja, on Thursday, October 16, highlighting efforts to combat diet-related diseases and promote healthy eating. With the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” health experts stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to transform food systems.
Dr. Anas emphasized that the initiative is a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda, focusing on combating non-communicable diseases like hypertension, stroke, and heart disease. As Policy Champion for Sodium Reduction in Nigeria, she revealed that the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, and SON are developing two key policies: the Sodium Reduction Regulation and the Front-of-Pack Labeling Framework.
These efforts align with the WHO’s SHAKE package, aiming to reduce national salt intake by 30% by 2025. Dr. Anas stressed, “Protecting Nigerians’ health is protecting our nation’s future. We’re collaborating with stakeholders to empower Nigerians to make informed, healthy food choices.”
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Mr. Femi Stephen, Project Lead for Sodium Reduction at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted that Nigerians consume almost double the WHO’s recommended sodium intake, emphasizing the importance of monitoring sodium levels and educating consumers.
He noted that front-of-pack labeling enables Nigerians to make informed choices, turning awareness into action. Dr. Jerome Mafeni, Technical Lead at Network for Health Equity and Development, added that sodium reduction and food labeling policies are people-centered, empowering consumers to make healthy choices.
Dr. Mya Sapal Ngon, representing WHO, praised Nigeria’s policy direction on sodium reduction, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance and public awareness. She urged journalists to utilize their platforms to educate the public about the risks of excessive salt consumption and the benefits of clear food labeling, empowering Nigerians to make healthier choices.
