The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Mojisola Adeyeye, has cautioned Nigerians against excessive sodium intake, linking it to the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular conditions, and stroke.
She gave the warning during a stakeholders engagement on the draft “Reduction of Sodium in Pre-Packaged Foods Regulations 2026,” where she described high sodium consumption as a major dietary risk factor contributing to preventable deaths both globally and within Nigeria.
Adeyeye referenced guidance from the World Health Organisation, which identifies sodium reduction as one of the most effective and affordable strategies for improving public health and reducing early deaths from non-communicable diseases.
Providing further insight, the Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at NAFDAC, Eva Edwards, disclosed that Nigerians consume about 10 grams of salt daily on average. This is nearly double the WHO recommended limit of 5 grammes, which is equivalent to less than 2 grammes of sodium per day.
She added that data from the National Multi-sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases between 2019 and 2025 shows sodium intake in Nigeria ranges from 2.85 grams to 10 grams daily, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
Experts noted that non-communicable diseases account for about 29 percent of all deaths in Nigeria, with cardiovascular diseases contributing significantly to this figure. They warned that changing dietary patterns is worsening the situation.
Adeyeye attributed the rise in sodium consumption to rapid urbanisation, evolving eating habits, and increased dependence on processed and pre-packaged foods.
She explained that while such foods are convenient, they significantly contribute to excessive sodium intake, especially in urban areas.
Public health experts, including representatives from the Cardiovascular Unit of the University of Abuja, warned that high sodium consumption is strongly associated with hypertension, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure.
To tackle the issue, NAFDAC is proposing new regulations that will set maximum sodium limits for selected food categories, require clear labelling of sodium content, and encourage manufacturers to gradually reduce sodium levels in their products.
The proposed policy includes a phased reduction plan, starting with a 15 percent decrease in sodium content, and aligns with the WHO global target of achieving a 30 percent reduction in sodium intake by 2030.
Adeyeye emphasised that regulation alone will not be enough without active participation from the food industry.
She noted that manufacturers play a crucial role in reformulating products while maintaining quality and safety, adding that regulators, researchers, and consumer groups must also ensure proper monitoring and compliance.
Civil society groups, including Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa and Network for Health Equity and Development, also called for urgent action to address diet-related diseases.
Describing sodium reduction as a national health priority, Adeyeye warned that failure to act could place further strain on Nigeria’s already challenged healthcare system.
She added that contributions from stakeholders will be incorporated into the draft before it is presented to the NAFDAC Governing Council, and subsequently reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice before final approval.
