By Seun Ibiyemi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has stepped up efforts to combat rising cases of diet-related illnesses, unveiling new regulatory plans to reduce sodium levels in pre-packaged foods across Nigeria.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 7, 2026, the agency’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, cautioned Nigerians against excessive salt consumption, linking it to increasing cases of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke.
She explained that the proposed Reduction of Sodium in Pre-Packaged Foods Regulations 2026 is designed to set limits on sodium content in processed foods, improve labeling transparency, and encourage manufacturers to reformulate products in line with healthier standards.
Adeyeye referenced recommendations by the World Health Organization, which identifies sodium reduction as a key, cost-effective strategy for preventing non-communicable diseases and reducing premature deaths.
According to her, changing dietary habits, urbanisation, and growing reliance on processed foods have significantly increased sodium intake in Nigeria, making urgent intervention necessary.
She stressed that industry players must play a central role in achieving the regulation’s objectives, noting that collaboration between regulators, manufacturers, and public health advocates is essential for success.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at NAFDAC, Eva Edwards, disclosed that Nigerians consume an average of 10 grams of salt daily—twice the recommended intake of 5 grams set by the WHO.
Edwards described the trend as alarming, particularly as pre-packaged foods become more prominent in urban diets.
She noted that the regulation adopts a phased approach, starting with a 15 percent reduction in sodium content and scaling up to a 30 percent cut by 2030.
The initiative is being driven in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and supported by partners including the Network for Health Equity and Development and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa.
NAFDAC said inputs gathered from stakeholders will be used to fine-tune the draft regulation before it is forwarded to its Governing Council and later reviewed by relevant government authorities for approval and gazetting.
The agency maintained that reducing sodium intake is a critical step toward improving national health outcomes and protecting Nigerians from preventable diseases.
