Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumed in Nigeria contain dangerously high levels of sugar, contributing to a growing epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases among children. Drawing on personal experiences and expert analysis, the findings highlight the urgent need for stronger government action, including higher SSB taxes, marketing restrictions, and public awareness campaigns to safeguard public health and improve national outcomes.
By IBRAHIM ADAM |
Every morning before hurrying off to her banking job in Lagos, 38-year-old Bukola Adebayo makes a familiar stop at her kitchen counter. With two children under the age of ten and a demanding schedule at one of the city’s mainstream banks, her mornings are a race against time.
Like many Nigerian mothers, she often reaches for the easiest option. It feels like tradition, a comforting taste she grew up with in her hometown of Oyo State. Yet beneath the routine lies a growing unease.
“I grew up drinking this particular product. I believed it was healthy. To learn it is full of sugar is a shock to me. If they can sell low sugar abroad, why not here? Our health should be a priority to them,” Bukola said, her voice heavy with regret which speaking with Development News Network & Media Foundation (DNN Media).
She admitted that while her children enjoy the sweet taste, she now worries about what it means for their long-term health.
In Abuja, fifty-two-year-old Emmanuel Ibe faces a similar struggle. A father of three and a realtor from Abia State, his life is defined by the daily balance of work, family responsibilities, and the rising cost of living.
Like Bukola, sugar-sweetened beverages are woven into his family’s routine, from quick fixes for breakfast to after-school treats or energy boosts on long days.
“We do not have time to analyse nutrition tables. We trust big brands. If Nigerian children are given the sweetest version, then it feels as though our health does not matter,” Emmanuel said, shaking his head
For parents such as Bukola and Emmanuel, the dilemma is deeply personal. SSBs are more than a beverage; they are a cultural staple, tied to childhood memories and family bonding.
Yet with the growing revelations about their high sugar content, they now struggle with guilt. Are they offering their children nourishment or unknowingly sowing the seeds of illness?
Every morning across Nigeria, the day begins with a familiar ritual. Parents pour steaming mugs of sugar-sweetened beverages for their children, believing they are offering energy, strength, and nourishment.
For many families, these labels once stood for childhood and tradition. But that trust is now under strain, as many families are learning that the Nigerian version of these products contains more sugar than six cans of a particular soft drink.
According to the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, SSBs refer to any beverage with added sugar or other sweeteners, such as high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, and fruit juice concentrates. These include soda, pop, cola, tonic, fruit punch, lemonade, sweetened powdered drinks, and energy beverages.
The United Nations Children’s Fund defines non-communicable diseases as non-transmissible diseases of long duration, including mental health conditions, stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
The Outcry
The alarm on excess sugar was raised by public health commentator Dr Tolu, known on X as @tolubinutu, who posted a viral thread comparing Milo’s sugar levels to popular soft drinks.
He wrote: “This 400g tin your kids drink every morning? It has more sugar than six cans of Coke. Meanwhile, Nestlé sells healthier versions abroad,” calling Nigerian Milo “a sugar bomb in disguise.” 
His words resonated with thousands of parents, sparking a nationwide conversation about what they have been feeding their children for years.
The claim attracted so much attention that even Grok, an artificial intelligence tool designed for fact-checking, confirmed the accuracy of the figures.
According to Grok: “The claim is accurate based on nutrition data: Nigerian Milo has about 52-53g sugar per 100g, so a 400g tin contains ~208-212g sugar, equivalent to roughly six 330ml cans of Coke (each ~35g sugar). International versions (e.g., Singapore: ~40g/100g; New Zealand: ~46g/100g) often have less sugar.
“Sachets use the same formula, so consumers face similar risks from high sugar intake, like obesity or diabetes, if over-consumed. Moderation is key. In Africa, South Africa has ~39g/100g, but versions in Ghana and others appear similar to Nigeria’s higher ~53g/100g, based on available data.”
Dr Tolu also highlighted another popular product, Bournvita, noting that a 500-gram jar sold in Nigeria contains 54 grams of sugar per 100 grams. In other words, each jar holds about 270 grams of sugar, equivalent to 67 teaspoons, typically consumed by children within three to four weeks.
He cited the case of India, where the same product once contained about 37 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
In 2023, a social media outcry led by health influencer Revant Himatsingka, who exposed the high sugar levels, sparked nationwide scrutiny. The manufacturer initially attempted to silence him with a legal notice, but the move backfired, with his video garnering over 12 million views, attracting mainstream media coverage, and prompting government attention.
The company was forced to reformulate, cutting sugar levels by 14.4 per cent to 32.2 grams per 100 grams, which is still lower than what is sold in Nigeria. In 2024, regulators went further by delisting Bournvita from the “health drink” category.
He wrote: “Parents in Nigeria: this 500g jar of Bournvita your kids drink every morning? It has more sugar than seven cans of…! India forced Bournvita to cut sugar after a social media revolution. But here in Nigeria, our kids still get the sweeter, more harmful version. I studied this and here’s what I found. Walk with me. Nigerian Bournvita says it ‘builds stronger kids,’ but on its label, it contains 54g sugar per 100g. That means a 500g jar packs 270g of sugar. That’s 67 teaspoons of sugar consumed within 3-4 weeks.
“But in Nigeria? It’s still advertised with ‘building stronger kids’ claims and even endorsed by professional bodies. Same drink. Same brand. Different rules. Let’s now examine the harmful effects of too much sugar on our kids. This isn’t about taste. This is about justice for Nigerian children. Why are other countries getting reformulated versions while Nigerian kids are left with sugar bombs disguised as nutrition? India showed us the playbook. They fought for their kids’ health.”
All efforts to speak with the Head of Corporate Communications and Government Affairs at Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Dr Frederick Mordi, proved unsuccessful, despite emails sent and attempts to reach him via LinkedIn.
Nestlé Refutes Claim
Nestlé Nigeria PLC dismissed claims regarding the sugar content in its popular beverage brand, Milo, insisting that the product is manufactured in full compliance with regulatory standards in the country.
The Corporate Affairs Manager of Nestlé Nigeria PLC, Toju Egbebi, stated in an email that the company adheres strictly to the Nigerian Industrial Standard for Cocoa Mixtures as set by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON).
“Nestlé MILO is produced in line with the Nigerian Industrial Standard for Cocoa Mixtures set by the Standards Organization of Nigeria and is duly registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC),” she said.
She explained that the sugar present in Milo is not solely from added sweeteners but also from natural sources inherent in its key ingredients.
“The sugar content in MILO (including the 3-in-1 variant) comes not only from added sugar but also from the natural sugars present in milk and malt, which are key ingredients in the product,” she said.
Egbebi reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing nutritious products tailored to consumer needs, in line with health regulations and dietary standards.
“We will continue to offer products that cater to local tastes, dietary guidelines, and regulatory standards and encourage consumers to enjoy our products as part of a balanced diet,” she added.
On its official website, Nestlé addresses one of the most common questions parents ask: at what age should I start giving Milo to my kids? The company’s response makes clear that Milo is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of children aged six and above.
“MILO is a beverage specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of children six (6) years and older. We advise that you talk to your health care professional, who can make the best recommendations as to the food and drinks that will suit your child’s nutritional needs.”
“Coca-Cola Nigeria, NBC Misled Consumers”
Premium Times published a report titled: Coca-Cola Nigeria misled consumers on product changes – FCCPC on August 2, 2024.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said it has concluded a comprehensive investigation into Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), uncovering significant transparency and consumer communication breaches.
The inquiry, initiated in June 2019, centred on the companies’ shift from traditional sugar to non-nutritive sweeteners in their Coke, Fanta, and Sprite brands, a change not adequately communicated to consumers.
According to a statement signed by the management, FCCPC’s investigation revealed that Coca-Cola and NBC had repeatedly violated the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), particularly concerning misleading trade descriptions and unfair marketing tactics.
It said the companies marketed the “Original Taste, Less Sugar” variant as identical to the classic Coca-Cola, despite differences in formulation. This misrepresentation extended to their other products, with similar undisclosed changes in Fanta and Sprite. But by December 2020, the FCCPC said it had gathered substantial evidence demonstrating these violations.
The commission said it found that Coca-Cola and NBC had failed to provide clear and accurate information to consumers, intentionally misleading them about the nature of their products. The companies’ internal documents further indicated awareness of the ineffectiveness of their product differentiations and continued misleading practices.
In an attempt to resolve the matter, FCCPC said Coca-Cola and NBC initially agreed to adopt more transparent product descriptions. However, they later abandoned this commitment, opting for a business strategy that failed to meet regulatory standards.
This move prompted the FCCPC to re-engage with the companies, but Coca-Cola and NBC’s efforts remained inadequate despite numerous opportunities to comply. On 29 July, the FCCPC issued a Final Order detailing its findings.
The order highlighted Coca-Cola and NBC’s use of misleading trade descriptions, particularly in the marketing of Coca-Cola Original Taste and its “Less Sugar” variant. The companies were also found to have employed unfair marketing tactics, violating several sections of the FCCPA.
“Misleading trade descriptions under Section 116 FCCPA by continuing to mislead consumers to believing Coca-Cola Original Taste is not materially different from Coca-Cola Original Taste Less Sugar”.
“Unfair marketing tactics: Contrary to Section 124(1)(a) of the FCCPA, Coca-Cola Nigeria markets Coca-Cola Original Taste Less Sugar in packaging first, indistinguishable, and now not sufficiently distinguishable from Coca-Cola Original Taste, contrary to Sections 123(1)(a), (b), and (c) of the FCCPA,” it said.
FCCPC also called on the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal to dismiss Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited’s (CCNL) amended appeal challenging the N186.6 million penalty imposed for its labelling and marketing practices.
The commission further argued that Coca-Cola admitted to some regulatory breaches and proposed remedial actions but failed to adequately address key concerns, particularly the distinction between the two product variants.
“Coca-Cola and NBC, after regulatory intervention, failed to take appropriate steps to address their misleading behaviour. This demonstrates that the companies intentionally misrepresented Coca-Cola Original Taste, Less Sugar as Coca-Cola Original Taste as part of a deliberate business strategy,” the Commission stated.
In response, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited reassured the public of its commitment to transparency and adherence to national standards, following allegations of consumer rights violations by the FCCPC.
The beverage giant emphasised that it provides clear and accessible nutrition information on its packaging, in line with regulatory requirements.
“Coca-Cola Nigeria provides clear, accessible nutrition information on our packaging in line with national regulatory requirements and is committed to transparency for consumers,” the company said.
The statement also highlighted the company’s prioritisation of consumer interests and its commitment to working collaboratively with government authorities. “We strongly believe that the Coca-Cola System in Nigeria has complied with all regulations and look forward to the opportunity to bring this topic to closure.”
Double Standard
In 2024, Nestlé was accused of double standards after an investigation revealed that it adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in developing countries, while keeping its European versions free of such additives.
A report by Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network tested 150 Nestlé products, including Cerelac and Nido, across Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Nearly all Cerelac cereals for infants from six months contained added sugar, averaging four grams per serving, equivalent to one sugar cube. The highest levels were in the Philippines (7.3g), Nigeria (6.8g), and Senegal (5.9g). In nearly half of the 15 countries surveyed, labels failed to disclose added sugar.
By contrast, Public Eye and IBFAN found that equivalent Nestlé products sold in Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France contained no added sugar. The report concluded that this amounts to “a double standard that is unjustifiable and problematic,” both from an ethical and a public health perspective.
Agriculture and nutrition expert at Public Eye, Laurent Gaberell, explained that sugar was deliberately chosen as the focus of the study because of its dangerous long-term effects.
He said sugar remains the “number one enemy when it comes to nutritional health” and warned that exposure to sugar at an early age can have devastating consequences.
“Exposure to sugar at an early age of babies and infants can be very problematic. It is one of the key factors behind the obesity crisis. If babies are exposed to sugar, they basically have a higher risk of being obese later, and suffering adverse health outcomes such as diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases.”
Gaberell noted that there is now a growing global consensus that babies should not be exposed to sugar at an early age, and that the practice by Nestlé is motivated by profit rather than health.
“The only reason why Nestlé does it is basically because they know that kids like sugar and they will come back and want their product. It is just to increase the sales of their product.”
“Milo no Longer Agrees with my Body”
For Kaete Edemumoh, the sweet childhood comfort of Milo has turned into a source of regret. The thirty-one-year-old from Akwa Ibom said what was once a trusted daily drink is now something she avoids completely.
“Over the past few years, I began to notice that each time I consumed Milo, whether hot or cold, my body reacted almost immediately. Within minutes, I would feel an intense urge to use the toilet, very similar to the sensation that comes before diarrhoea,” Edemumoh told DNN Media.
She explained how she first dismissed the discomfort and how she later discovered that the problem was linked to a specific SSB.
“The first time it happened, I brushed it off, thinking it was probably something else I had eaten earlier that upset my stomach. But the same reaction kept recurring, almost right after taking the drink.
“Interestingly, I realised I did not experience the same discomfort when I drank another product. That difference led me to conclude that something about Milo no longer agreed with my system, or perhaps the product itself had changed,” she said.
Confronted with repeated discomfort and unending trips to the toilet, she ultimately chose to stop taking Milo completely.
“To avoid the repeated discomfort and constant toilet runs, I decided to completely cut Milo out of my diet,” she added.
Beyond her personal experience, Edemumoh stressed the need for moderation in the consumption of SSBs, warning that many Nigerians already take in too much sugar through their everyday diets.
She added: “Generally, I believe sugar-sweetened beverages should be taken in moderation. Many of the foods we consume daily already contain sugar, and adding more only puts extra strain on the body. At the same time, I also acknowledge that low blood sugar is another health concern, so balance is key.”
Rising Consumption Trend
Nigeria now ranks as the fourth-largest consumer of SSBs globally, with annual sales reaching an estimated 38.6 million litres in 2023. Industry reports also show that the market is expanding rapidly, with a projected growth rate of 16.63 per cent.
Health experts warn that this rising consumption is worsening Nigeria’s non-communicable disease (NCD) crisis. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that NCDs are responsible for 41 million deaths worldwide every year, representing about 71 per cent of all global deaths.
A study published in BMC Public Health breaks down this toll further: 17.9 million deaths are linked to cardiovascular diseases, 9.3 million to cancer, 4.1 million to respiratory illnesses and 1.5 million to diabetes, with another 8.2 million attributed to other NCDs.
The report also highlights that nearly 47 per cent of NCD-related deaths are premature, with the vast majority, about 31.4 million, occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Nigeria falls into this category, facing what experts describe as a “double burden” of battling infectious diseases while also struggling with an escalating wave of chronic illnesses.
DNN Media Findings
According to an investigation by DNN Media, an analysis of a 20-gram sachet of Bournvita revealed that the product contains an alarmingly high sugar content. A single serving holds 11 grams of sugar, which is nearly three level teaspoons. The ingredient list further confirms that sugar is the primary component by weight, making it the dominant element in the mix. Of the 76 grams of total carbohydrates per 100 grams, 54 grams are sugar.
This means that approximately 71 per cent of Bournvita’s carbohydrate profile comes from sugar, indicating that the product provides a quick burst of energy from simple sugar rather than sustained energy from complex carbohydrates.
The findings become more concerning when measured against global health standards. A single serving of Bournvita delivers 44 per cent of the World Health Organisation’s stricter recommended daily sugar intake for an adult, which is 25 grams, or six teaspoons. 
For children, this one drink alone accounts for a disproportionately large share of their daily sugar limit, posing risks of excess calorie intake and related health complications when combined with other foods and beverages consumed throughout the day.
In a similar analysis, DNN Media examined a 30-gram sachet of Milo 3-in-1 “Milky and Creamy” and discovered that it contains even higher levels of sugar. One serving holds 17.4 grams, which is about four teaspoons.
The investigation shows that a child who consumes two sachets in a day would ingest 34.8 grams of sugar, while three sachets would amount to 52.2 grams. For an adult, just two servings already provide more than one-third of the recommended maximum daily allowance.
When compared with the World Health Organisation guidelines, which advise less than 25 grams of free sugar daily for children and below 50 grams for adults (ideally 25 grams for greater health benefits), the figures are troubling. A single serving of Milo accounts for nearly 70 per cent of a child’s daily sugar limit and more than one-third of the adult allowance.
Although Milo contains added vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin D, and B vitamins, the investigation found that its high sugar content may significantly undermine these nutritional benefits if consumed frequently.
In addition, DNN Media observed that the 500g Bournvita tin sold on Amazon contains 46g of total sugar per 100g of product. The recommended serving size is notably larger at 50g (versus 20g for the Nigerian version), which, when mixed with 240ml of milk, delivers approximately 23g of sugar per drink. This single serving provides nearly the entire WHO-recommended daily sugar intake of 25g for a child.
This particular product formulation appears targeted at export markets, likely in the Middle East or Asia, as evidenced by its international product code (8901233023731) and detailed allergen labelling. The product contains multiple allergens, including milk, wheat, barley, sulphites, and soy, and explicitly declares caffeine content. These are features not present on the Nigerian version’s labelling.
Despite having 15 per cent less sugar concentration than the Nigerian variant (46g vs 54g per 100g), the larger recommended serving size results in higher absolute sugar consumption per prepared drink. This contrast highlights how manufacturers alter recipes for different markets, making it crucial for consumers to examine nutritional labels specific to their region rather than assuming global product consistency.
Growing Diabetes Burden
A study titled “Diabetes Mellitus in Primary and Secondary Schools in Africa: An Exploratory Review,” by Agofure Otovwe and Efegbere Henry Akpojubaro, reported that Nigeria is among the ten countries with the highest number of new cases of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in children and adolescents below the age of 20.
The report revealed that in Africa, the incidence and prevalence of diabetes are increasing among children and teenagers, with an estimated 50,200 cases in those under 20 years. Nigeria, Algeria, and Morocco ranked highest on the continent.
The study warned of a possible escalation of diabetes among African children and adolescents in the near future. Research in Cameroon reported a T1DM prevalence of 1.8 per cent among students, while Nigerian studies recorded a 17.3 per cent prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and a 0.3 per cent prevalence of T1DM among schoolchildren.
Similarly, a study titled “Prevalence of Pre-diabetes and Risk Factors among Secondary School Adolescents in Osogbo Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria,” concluded that pre-diabetes is becoming a common problem among Nigerian adolescents, calling for urgent intervention before it becomes endemic.
Experts call for Stricter Policies
Medical practitioner and public health expert Dr Ekiyor Joseph explained that scientific evidence links long-term consumption of excess free sugars to obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, dental caries, and some cancers.
Dr Joseph appealed to both the government and parents to intervene in order to safeguard public health.
He explained that for children aged between two and 18 years, the American Heart Association recommends a maximum of 25 grams of free sugars daily, while the World Health Organisation advises that sugar intake should constitute less than 10 per cent of total daily calories, and ideally less than 5 per cent for additional benefits.
Dr Joseph noted that infants under the age of two should not be given any added sugars. He stressed that sugar has no nutritional value beyond energy and can be addictive, with children and adults increasingly craving more over time.
He said the danger is not confined to one product but to the quantity, frequency, and variety of sugary foods consumed daily.
“Children who consume up to 25 grams of sugar daily are already at risk of developing these diseases over time,” he warned.
The medical expert explained that excessive sugar intake not only leads to obesity, a major risk factor for diabetes, but also triggers blood sugar spikes, insulin resistance, and vascular damage, which could culminate in hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
He added that excess sugar fuels dental caries and has been associated with certain cancers: “We are now seeing these medical conditions manifest in younger groups because of the unhealthy state of our food environment alongside poor lifestyle choices.”
On the role of caregivers, he emphasised that parents must serve as the first line of protection by making informed dietary choices for their children.
He called on the government to restrict the marketing and availability of unhealthy foods, citing examples from Europe where fizzy drinks are prohibited in schools.
“Government must use instruments such as taxes, bans, and mandatory reformulation to sanitise our food environment while supporting healthier alternatives with clear front-of-pack labelling,” Dr Joseph said.
Associate Director of the Food Justice Programme at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Abayomi Sarumi, echoed these concerns, noting that the dangers extend beyond any single brand or product.
He criticised the influx of processed foods in Nigeria, many of which, he said, are laden with excessive salt, sugar, and fats, and marketed with misleading claims.
“The problem is the unabated flooding of the Nigerian market with processed and packaged foods high in unhealthy ingredients. This is already burdening the next generation with non-communicable diseases, with children increasingly presenting with these conditions at health facilities,” he said.
He urged parents to resist deceptive advertisements and prioritise their children’s well-being, while also calling for bolder state action, including stronger taxation and tighter marketing restrictions.
“The government must put public health above profit. The sugar-sweetened beverage tax should be raised to at least 50 per cent, expanded to cover a wider range of products, and complemented with front-of-pack warning labels and bans on celebrity endorsements of unhealthy foods,” Sarumi argued.
Case for higher tax
Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, called on the Federal Government to increase the SSB tax from N10 to N130 per litre to safeguard Nigerians’ health, saying this was based on the simulation study conducted in Nigeria to find the most effective rate based on the existing legislation.
He noted that this rate represents close to 49 percent minimum tax on the final retail price.
Speaking at a media roundtable on the SSB tax, Oluwafemi argued that SSBs are fuelling an epidemic of NCDs, overstretching the nation’s healthcare system, and killing thousands, including children.
He warned Nigerians against misinformation spread by industry actors who falsely label the levy as a “Sugar Tax.”
“What Nigeria has in place is an SSB tax, specifically targeting sugary drinks, not sugar itself. Industry actors mislabel it to create confusion and weaken public support.”
Oluwafemi also expressed concern that Nigeria risks becoming a dumping ground for unregulated, sugar-saturated drinks, noting that foreign sugary beverages, many without proper labelling, were openly displayed at the 2025 Food and Beverage West Africa exhibition.
He described the situation as a ticking time bomb: “Nigeria is in the throes of a public health crisis driven by the excessive consumption of unhealthy diets. These SSBs are killing us slowly, turning our streets into graveyards and our hospitals into crowded waiting rooms. Once considered the diseases of the rich, conditions like diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and heart disease now afflict ordinary Nigerians.”
What South Africa’s Tax Achieved
A study by Cyprian M. Mostert, Pavlova Milena, and Rik Crutzen (2025) highlights the positive health outcomes of South Africa’s 2018 SSB tax.
The researchers found that cases of diabetes among 35-year-olds fell by 16 per cent, while those aged 40 saw a 6 per cent drop. Depression cases also declined, with a 23 per cent reduction in the younger group and 16 per cent in the older, showing that the policy has both physical and mental health benefits.
Cardiovascular outcomes recorded significant improvements as well, with heart attacks dropping by 36 per cent among 35-year-olds and 12 per cent among 40-year-olds. Hypertension decreased by 30 per cent and 10 per cent respectively, while stroke risks fell by 16 per cent and 6 per cent.
The study further revealed that younger men, Black African, Mixed-Race, and low-income groups benefited most. The authors conclude that expanding the tax could deliver even greater gains for public health and mental well-being.
NAFDAC Reaffirms Commitment to Standards
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control maintained that all food manufacturers in Nigeria strictly adhere to internationally recognised standards and regulatory guidelines.
Resident Media Consultant to NAFDAC, Sayo Akintola, disclosed this while responding to DNN Media enquiries on the health implications of SSBs on Nigerian children.
Akintola stressed that the agency has no separate “Nigerian standard,” but instead aligns with global benchmarks to ensure the safety and integrity of all consumables.
“No manufacturer of either adult food or baby food in Nigeria today, that I know of, has failed to follow the NAFDAC laid-down guidelines and regulations. Otherwise, the factory would be shut down. It would take the DG, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, only 24 hours to shut it down. If any manufacturer is found wanting, the appropriate sanctions will be applied to whoever is found culpable. But I want us to be more discreet about this kind of issue,” he said.
He urged members of the public to provide concrete evidence of suspected violations, including food samples, which would be subjected to laboratory testing by the agency.
“That is why my response is simple: get us a sample. We will do appropriate testing in our laboratories, and the results will be made available to the public. Whoever is found guilty will face the consequences. But as we speak, they all follow our laid-down guidelines and global standards. They all follow international standards because NAFDAC doesn’t have a standard. We follow international standards. It is not a matter of NAFDAC standard or media standard, no,” he explained.
He reaffirmed that NAFDAC remains committed to safeguarding public health and will continue to apply strict sanctions against any manufacturer found contravening established standards.
Call for Stakeholder Unity
Global Health Advocacy Incubator Nigeria’s In-Country Coordinator for the Food and Nutrition Programme, Joy Amafah-Isaac, urged stakeholders to join forces in a collective and holistic fight against the impunity of companies producing SSBs and junk foods.
Amafah-Isaac cautioned the government against being swayed by corporate sponsorship and interventions from beverage companies, which often weaken enforcement of protective health laws.
