CSOs Demand Mandatory Salt Targets, Food Warning Labels to Protect Nigerians

Civil society organisations have called on the Federal Government to introduce mandatory salt limits and front-of-pack warning labels on processed foods to help curb the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.

The call was made in a joint statement by the Network for Health Equity and Development, Centre for Communication and Social Impact, and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa to mark World Consumer Rights Day.

The groups said Nigeria is facing a growing public health challenge, noting that about 29 per cent of deaths in the country are linked to non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, heart disease and kidney failure.

According to them, excessive salt consumption remains a major driver of the crisis, with the average Nigerian consuming about 10 grams of salt daily—almost double the recommended 5 grams set by the World Health Organization.

The organisations stressed that under the 2026 theme, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” the government must recognise that foods high in hidden salt cannot be considered safe for consumers.

They noted that many processed and packaged foods—including noodles, snacks, bread, bouillon cubes and frozen foods—contain high levels of salt, while nutrition information is often difficult for consumers to understand.

The coalition therefore advocated mandatory front-of-pack labelling, which uses clear symbols or warning labels to help consumers quickly identify products high in salt, sugar or unhealthy fats.

The groups also commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for launching the National Guidelines for Sodium Reduction in 2025 but urged authorities to move beyond voluntary guidelines to enforceable regulations.

They called on relevant regulatory agencies—including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria—to enforce mandatory salt reduction targets, introduce front-of-pack warning labels and strengthen monitoring of food products.

The coalition also urged the government to restrict the marketing of ultra-processed foods to children and expand public education campaigns promoting healthier dietary habits.

They maintained that policies promoting salt reduction and transparent food labelling are cost-effective strategies for protecting millions of Nigerians from diet-related diseases.

The organisations also encouraged consumers to pay closer attention to food labels and demand healthier products from manufacturers.

They reaffirmed their commitment to working with government agencies, health experts and civil society partners to ensure that Nigeria’s food system supports healthier choices for consumers.