Amid rising cases of hypertension, stroke and heart diseases across Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sounded a strong warning that Nigerians must urgently reduce their salt intake or face a worsening public health crisis.
At a stakeholders’ engagement on the draft Reduction of Sodium in Pre-Packaged Foods Regulations 2026, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said excessive sodium consumption has become one of the most dangerous but overlooked dietary risks in the country.
“Excessive sodium intake is one of the leading dietary risk factors contributing to hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. These diseases are increasing globally and within Nigeria, and urgent action is needed.” she said.
Her warning comes as Nigeria undergoes rapid urbanisation and a shift in eating habits, with more people relying on processed and pre-packaged foods, many of which contain high levels of hidden salt.
The hidden danger in everyday foods
For many Nigerians, salt is a daily staple, often added generously during cooking or consumed unknowingly through packaged foods. But health experts say what seems like a harmless habit is quietly damaging lives.
According to NAFDAC’s Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Mrs. Eva Edwards, the average Nigerian consumes about 10 grams of salt daily, nearly double the recommended limit.
“The World Health Organisation recommends less than 2 grams of sodium per day, which is about one teaspoon of salt. But available data show that Nigerians consume about twice that amount, and this poses a serious risk to public health.” She noted.
She warned that the growing dependence on processed foods is worsening the situation.
“Pre-packaged foods now constitute a substantial part of daily diets, especially in urban areas. While they offer convenience, they also contribute significantly to excessive sodium intake, driving the scourge of cardiovascular diseases,” Edwards said.
Medical experts say excessive salt intake is directly linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Although sodium is essential for body functions such as nerve transmission, fluid balance, and muscle movement, Edwards stressed that the body needs only a small amount.
“The quantity required by the body is minimal. But current consumption levels far exceed physiological needs, increasing the risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease and kidney-related conditions.”She said.
Data from Nigeria’s National Multi-sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2019–2025) further highlight the urgency, showing that sodium intake in the country ranges widely but remains dangerously high.
In response, NAFDAC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is pushing new regulations aimed at reducing sodium content in pre-packaged foods.
Adeyeye described the proposed policy as a critical step toward reversing the trend of diet-related diseases.
“The Reduction of Sodium in Pre-Packaged Foods Regulations 2026 is part of broader strategies to promote healthier diets and prevent non-communicable diseases,” she said.
According to her, the regulations will set maximum sodium limits for selected food categories, ensure clear and transparent labelling of sodium content, and encourage manufacturers to reformulate products with less salt.
“This will enable consumers to make healthier dietary choices,” she added.
Recognising the complexities involved in reformulating food products, NAFDAC is proposing a gradual implementation strategy.
Edwards said the plan will begin with a 15 per
cent reduction in sodium levels and progress toward a 30 per cent reduction target by 2030, in line with global health recommendations.
“The objective is to guide the food industry towards gradual product reformulation without compromising product quality or consumer acceptance,” she explained.
The initiative is also supported by national sodium reduction guidelines developed by the Federal Ministry of Health, which provide benchmarks for various food categories.
Industry, citizens must act
Despite the regulatory push, both Adeyeye and Edwards stressed that government action alone will not be enough.
“Regulations alone cannot achieve the desired impact without the active participation of all stakeholders. The food industry plays a central role in reformulating products to reduce sodium content while maintaining safety and quality.”Adeyeye said.
She also called for collaboration among researchers, public health experts, civil society groups, and consumers.
“At NAFDAC, we recognise that regulatory reforms must be evidence-based, transparent and inclusive. Our goal is not to disrupt industry operations, but to work with all partners to create a food system that supports both public health and a sustainable economy,” she added.
For Adeyeye, “The reduction of sodium in our food supply is not merely a regulatory obligation, it is a national health priority. By taking decisive action today, we are protecting future generations from preventable diseases and improving the overall wellbeing of Nigerians.” She said.
Civil society organisations, including the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), also backed the initiative, stressing that reducing sodium intake is key to preventing avoidable deaths.
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