NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Against High Salt Intake, Unveils New Food Regulations
Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), warned Nigerians on Tuesday that excessive sodium consumption is driving a surge in life-threatening diseases. She specifically linked high salt intake to rising cases of hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases across the country.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement for the draft “Reduction of Sodium in Pre-Packaged Foods Regulations 2026,” Adeyeye labeled high sodium intake a leading dietary risk factor for preventable deaths in Nigeria.
Nigerians Consuming Double the Recommended Salt Limit
Data presented at the session reveals a looming public health crisis. Eva Edwards, NAFDAC’s Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, highlighted a significant gap between local habits and global health standards:
- Current Nigerian Average: 10 grams of salt daily.
- WHO Recommended Limit: Less than 5 grams of salt (approx. 2 grams of sodium) daily.
- The Reality: Nigerians currently consume nearly double the World Health Organization’s recommended limit.
Adeyeye blamed this trend on rapid urbanization, changing dietary habits, and an increased reliance on processed and pre-packaged foods.
NAFDAC’s Roadmap to Lower Sodium
To combat these health risks, NAFDAC is proposing strict new regulations to transform the food industry. The agency’s strategy includes:
- Maximum Sodium Limits: Setting clear caps for specific food categories.
- Mandatory Labeling: Requiring manufacturers to clearly state sodium content on all packaging.
- Product Reformulation: Encouraging food producers to gradually reduce salt in their recipes.
The policy follows a phased approach, starting with an initial 15% reduction in sodium levels. This aligns with the WHO’s global target to slash population sodium intake by 30% by 2030.
Protecting the Future of National Health
Adeyeye described sodium reduction as a “national health priority,” warning that inaction would overwhelm Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“By taking decisive action today, we are protecting future generations from preventable diseases,” Adeyeye stated.
The agency will now incorporate stakeholder feedback into the draft. The document will move to the NAFDAC Governing Council, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Justice for final review before it officially becomes law.
