Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government to make nutrition, food affordability and stronger consumer protection central to Nigeria’s food security agenda.
The organisation made the call in a statement signed by Robert Egbe, Media and Communications Officer, marking World Food Day 2026, themed “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”
The organization noted that although Nigeria’s food production index has continued to rise, with the country leading in cassava production and ranking among the top producers of yam and sorghum, millions of Nigerians still face hunger and undernutrition.
It attributed the situation to massive post-harvest losses, insecurity in farming regions, and gaps in logistics and supply chains, which prevent food from reaching those who need it.
The organisation said food security should not be measured mainly by the volume of food produced or available in markets but by whether Nigerians can access safe, nutritious and affordable food produced in ways that protect their health.
CAPPA Raises Concerns Over Unhealthy Food Marketing
Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on the rising cost of healthy diets, CAPPA blamed aggressive and deceptive marketing by the ultra-processed food industry for influencing Nigerians’ food choices and limiting access to nutritious diets.
“Food security must mean more than having something to eat. It must also mean having access to food that nourishes the body, protects health and supports human development. Nigerians should not have to choose between feeding their families and providing them with nutritious meals,” the organisation said.
CAPPA warned that increasing food availability without addressing nutritional quality could undermine public health efforts.
It noted that excessive consumption of sugar, sodium and unhealthy fats is associated with diet-related health risks, including obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
The group stressed that tackling hunger and malnutrition requires attention to the wider food environment, including the availability and marketing of ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, the affordability of fresh and minimally processed foods, and the effectiveness of government regulations designed to protect consumers.
Group Calls for Stronger Food Regulations
CAPPA acknowledged the Federal Government’s ongoing review of the National Policy on Food and Nutrition (2016–2025) and plans to accelerate a National Food and Nutrition Bill to protect nutrition financing.
However, it cautioned against relying on the ultra-processed food industry to address Nigeria’s nutrition challenges, arguing that the industry prioritises profit over public health.
The organisation called on the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to strengthen measures to make food products safer and healthier.
Its recommendations include an effective sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax, clear front-of-pack labels, sodium-reduction targets, restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children, and sustained efforts to eliminate industrially produced trans fats.
CAPPA also called on the House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s example by passing the Customs, Excise Tariffs, etc. (Consolidation) Act (CETA) Amendment Bill, also known as the SSB Tax Bill.
According to the group, the bill would help discourage excessive consumption of sugary drinks while mobilising domestic resources to strengthen Nigeria’s health system.
It further urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other relevant authorities to strengthen food labelling and product regulation.
CAPPA said front-of-pack warning labels would help return the power to make informed food choices to consumers.
CAPPA Seeks Greater Protection for Children
The organisation said children require stronger protection from the promotion of foods and beverages high in nutrients of concern.
It identified digital advertising, influencer marketing and promotions around schools as areas requiring particular attention.
CAPPA maintained that protecting children from unhealthy food marketing should form part of broader efforts to improve nutrition and prevent diet-related diseases.
Calls for Investment in Local Food Systems
The group also called on the government to address the high cost of nutritious food by investing in local food systems and supporting smallholder farmers, agroecological production, storage facilities, processing and distribution networks.
It said such investments could reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen local livelihoods and improve access to diverse foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
CAPPA added that Nigeria’s food policies must address the influence of commercial interests on public health decisions.
It called for transparent policymaking, safeguards against conflicts of interest and meaningful public participation in decisions affecting the food supply.
World Food Day: CAPPA Seeks Nutrition-Focused Policies
The organisation said World Food Day should serve as an opportunity to assess whether existing food policies are improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
It maintained that innovation must go beyond increasing food production to include stronger public institutions, effective regulation, sustainable agricultural practices and food systems that prioritise nutrition, equity and accountability.
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