By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
In its determination to address the rising health concerns linked to high salt intake, Corporate
Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has called on Nigerians to reduce their consumption of salt.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, Technical Advisor, Network for Equity Health and Development, Dr. Jerome Mafini specifically urge the Nigerian government, particularly the Federal
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, responsible for health policy formulation, and the
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC), tasked with regulating
foods and drugs, to expedite the development and enforcement of regulations for salt targets
in processed foods.
“This can be achieved through development and implementation of policies and regulations that mandate the
reduction of salt content in commercially produced foods.
“There is also need for collaboration with relevant government agencies to establish clear guidelines and
targets for salt reduction in different food categories.
There is need for mandating clear and accurate labelling of salt content on food packaging, including
monitoring compliance and enforcing penalties for non-compliance to ensure the
effectiveness of these regulations.”
Speaking further, Mafeni called for industry commitment.
He harped on the need to encourage food manufacturers and producers to voluntarily reduce the salt content
in their products.
“Engaging industry leaders through public-private partnerships to promote responsible
salt reduction practices is necessary.
“Recognizing and rewarding companies that demonstrate commitment to reducing salt
content in their products will spur others to do join.”
While speaking on the need to ensure collaboration with the media on accurate reportage, Mafeni said there is need for consumer education and awareness.
“Developing and implementing comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate
consumers about the health risks associated with high salt intake and providing accessible and accurate information on how to reduce salt consumption and
make healthier food choices is imperative.”
On his part, Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, said
Nigeria presently records an estimated daily salt consumption reaching up to
5.8grams per day, dangerously exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO)
recommended limit of 2 grams of sodium per day or less than 5 grams of salt per
day, which is equivalent to just one teaspoon of salt daily.
“According to the Non-
Communicable Diseases Alliance, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as
cardiovascular disease are the primary cause of death and disability worldwide.
Hypertension, mainly caused by an increased intake of salt or sodium, accounts for
12% of deaths in Nigeria.
“These alarming statistics are not surprising given the significant changes in the
Nigerian diet over the past decade. The influx of processed foods and seasonings
loaded with high sodium on local market shelves and the growth of unhealthy fast-
food outlets has led to a nutritional transition in the country that poses a grave risk
to public health.
“Our desire, in line with our commitment and pact, is to help the public understand
the dangers of their choices when it comes to food and to constantly engage with government to put in place the relevant legislations to protect Nigerians.”
On her part, Assistant Programme Manager, Sodurin Study Group, University of Abuja Vanessa Alfa said their findings revealed that most food in the market have excess salt in them.
She said most Nigerians don’t know the quantity of salt they should take daily.
“We are working with ministry of health, NAFDAC, CAPPA and other partners to address these challenges.”