Health advocacy organisations have urged the Federal Government to introduce stricter measures to reduce salt consumption in Nigeria as concerns grow over the rising cases of hypertension, stroke, kidney failure and other non-communicable diseases linked to unhealthy diets.
The call was made on Tuesday in a joint statement released by the Network for Health Equity and Development, Centre for Communication and Social Impact, and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa to commemorate World Salt Awareness Week 2026.
The groups said the theme of this year’s campaign, “Salt It Out,” highlights the urgent need for governments, food manufacturers and consumers to cut down excessive salt intake and adopt healthier eating habits.
According to the organisations, Nigerians currently consume an estimated 10 grams of salt daily, nearly double the five grams recommended by the World Health Organisation.
Executive Director of CCSI, Babafunke Fagbemi, described excessive salt intake as a growing public health emergency driving the increase in cardiovascular diseases across the country.
She called for tougher regulations, including compulsory sodium reduction targets for processed foods, clear warning labels on food packaging and stronger public awareness campaigns.
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Technical Adviser at NHED, Jerome Mafeni, warned that the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases could place further strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system if preventive measures are not urgently implemented.
Also speaking, CAPPA Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, cautioned that nutrition policies should not encourage the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats.
The coalition urged agencies including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and Standards Organisation of Nigeria to strengthen policies that promote healthier food environments and protect consumers from harmful dietary practices.
The groups also encouraged Nigerians to reduce the use of seasoning cubes and added salt while embracing healthier food options such as fruits, vegetables and natural spices.
