Health advocacy organisations in Nigeria have called on the Federal Government to urgently implement sodium reduction policies and strengthen access to healthy and nutritious foods as part of efforts to tackle rising cases of non-communicable diseases across the country.
The call was made on Tuesday in a joint statement issued by the Network for Health Equity and Development, Centre for Communication and Social Impact and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa to commemorate World Salt Awareness Week 2026.
6 Ways to 6 Grams Campaign Targets Salt Reduction
The groups said this year’s theme, “6 Ways to 6 Grams,” highlights the urgent need to reduce excessive salt consumption, which they described as a major contributor to hypertension, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.
According to the organisations, Nigerians consume an estimated 3.8 grams of sodium daily equivalent to about 10 grams of salt nearly double the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit of 2 grams of sodium or 5 grams of salt per day.
The coalition warned that the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods high in sodium, sugar and unhealthy fats is worsening Nigeria’s public health burden.
Health Experts Warn of Rising Disease Burden
“Excess salt consumption is no longer a silent issue. It is now a major public health emergency contributing to the alarming rise in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases across the country,” said Babafunke Fagbemi, Executive Director of CCSI.
She stressed that sodium reduction must become a national health priority through enforceable policies such as mandatory sodium targets, front-of-pack warning labels and expanded public awareness campaigns.
Jerome Mafeni, Technical Advisor of NHED warned that Nigeria’s healthcare system is already under strain from non-communicable diseases and could face heavier long-term economic and social costs without urgent preventive action.
Call for Stronger Food Policy Alignment
On behalf of CAPPA, Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi cautioned that while addressing micronutrient deficiencies is important, nutrition policies must remain aligned with broader public health priorities.
“As Nigeria responds to nutrition challenges, we must also ensure that food policies do not unintentionally encourage increased consumption of ultra-processed foods linked to rising cases of diet-related non-communicable diseases,” he said.
Government Agencies Urged to Act
The organisations urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and Standards Organisation of Nigeria to take proactive steps to protect Nigerians from harmful food environments.
They demanded mandatory salt limits for processed foods, front-of-pack warning labels, stronger public education campaigns, and improved access to healthier diets.
Public Advised to Adopt Healthier Diets
The coalition also urged Nigerians to reduce salt and seasoning cube intake, increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and use natural spices such as ginger, turmeric, curry and fish powder.
“As we mark World Salt Awareness Week, we must recognise that healthy diets are not just a matter of personal choice but also of public policy,” the statement added.“The government has a responsibility to create food environments that protect health rather than undermine it.”
World Salt Awareness Week 2026 Focus
World Salt Awareness Week 2026 runs from May 11–17, 2026, focusing on reducing salt intake globally to prevent hypertension, heart disease, stroke and kidney damage.
The joint statement was issued and formally signed by the following organisations:
Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
