CAPPA Backs NAFDAC’s Sodium Reduction Drive to Tackle Rising Health Risks

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NAFDAC DG, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye delivering her welcome address at the event.


Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has thrown its weight behind the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over ongoing efforts to introduce regulations aimed at reducing sodium levels in pre-packaged foods.

The endorsement came during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Lagos on April 1, where participants expressed support for measures to curb excessive sodium consumption and address the growing burden of diet-related diseases.

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, commended the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, for her leadership, assuring that the organisation would continue to support initiatives aimed at protecting public health.

He said CAPPA remains committed to advocacy that strengthens regulatory actions, describing sodium reduction policies as necessary steps to safeguard Nigerians from preventable health conditions.

The one-day engagement, convened by NAFDAC in collaboration with the Network for Health Equity and Development, brought together stakeholders to deliberate on proposed sodium limits in processed and pre-packaged foods.

In her remarks, Professor Adeyeye said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s food regulatory framework and tackling the rise in diet-related non-communicable diseases.

She identified excessive sodium intake as a major risk factor contributing to conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke, which are increasingly prevalent in the country.

Also speaking, NHED Technical Advisor, Jerome Mafeni, warned that non-communicable diseases are rising among younger populations, posing long-term risks to national health and productivity.

The engagement aligns with the National Sodium Reduction Guideline launched in 2025 by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which sets targets to reduce daily sodium intake to below two grams per person by 2030 and achieve a 25 per cent reduction in hypertension prevalence.

Global health partners, including the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, World Health Organization, and Resolve to Save Lives, described the initiative as timely.

They urged sustained efforts to ensure effective implementation of the proposed regulations.

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