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A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has called on the Federal Government to introduce and enforce stricter sodium reduction policies in processed foods to tackle the growing burden of hypertension and other non communicable diseases in Nigeria.
The groups, including the Network for Health Equity and Development, Centre for Communication and Social Impact and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, said urgent action was needed to protect Nigerians from unhealthy food consumption patterns linked to excessive salt intake.
In a joint statement issued in Abuja by their communication officers, Mrs Tessy Maina, Mrs Anna White Agbo and Mr Robert Egbe, the organisations warned that rising consumption of ultra processed foods high in sodium, sugar and unhealthy fats was contributing significantly to cases of hypertension, stroke, heart disease and kidney failure across the country.
The groups stressed that the 2026 World Salt Awareness Week theme, “Salt It Out,” highlights the need for governments, industries and individuals to adopt measures that would reduce daily salt intake to the recommended level of five grams or less.
According to the organisations, Nigerians currently consume an estimated 10 grams of salt daily, almost double the recommendation of the World Health Organization.
Speaking in the statement, Executive Director of CCSI, Babafunke Fagbemi, described excessive salt consumption as a major public health emergency fuelling the rise in cardiovascular diseases across Nigeria.
Fagbemi called for enforceable national policies such as mandatory sodium reduction targets for processed foods, front of pack warning labels and stronger public awareness campaigns to encourage healthier eating habits.
Technical Adviser of NHED, Dr Jerome Mafeni, also warned that Nigeria’s healthcare system was already struggling under the growing burden of non communicable diseases.
He cautioned that the country could face severe social and economic consequences if preventive measures were not urgently implemented.
On his part, Executive Director of CAPPA, Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, said nutrition interventions must align with broader public health objectives to prevent policies that may encourage greater consumption of ultra processed foods.
The coalition urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to strengthen regulations that would promote healthier food environments and protect Nigerians from diet related illnesses.
Among the measures proposed were mandatory salt reduction targets for food manufacturers, clear warning labels on ultra processed products and sustained public education on the dangers of excessive salt intake.
The organisations also encouraged Nigerians to adopt healthier diets by reducing the use of added salt and seasoning cubes while embracing natural spices such as ginger, turmeric, curry and fish powder in meal preparation.
They further advised increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and fresh foods, alongside careful attention to food labels when purchasing food products.
The coalition maintained that healthy diets should not be seen solely as a matter of personal responsibility, adding that government policies must actively support healthier food choices and safer food environments.
The 2026 World Salt Awareness Week runs from May 11 to May 17 with a global focus on reducing dietary salt intake to prevent high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and kidney related illnesses.
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