Experts Decry Poor Dietary Habits In Nigeria

A civil society organisation, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and public health experts have lamented poor dietary habits in Nigeria, saying the country is witnessing a spike in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, stroke and diabetes due to poor dietary habits.

The experts who spoke at a one-day media training on Salt and Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) raised the alarm over a growing health crisis in the country, noting that it is not driven by hunger or under-nutrition but by the over consumption of processed foods laden with salt, sugar and other harmful additives.

The executive director of CAPPA, Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the nation is witnessing a spike in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, stroke and diabetes due to poor dietary habits.

He noted that disease is increasingly a product of how our food system is designed while blaming profit-driven corporations for worsening public health outcomes.

Oluwafemi stressed how decisions are being made not in the interest of public health, but for profit, adding that many of the ultra-processed foods widely consumed in Nigeria are aggressively marketed without proper nutritional labelling.

“The structures that profit from public confusion must be exposed and the media has a responsibility to reclaim the policy space,” he said.

While referencing the World Health Organisation (WHO), the CAPPA boss noted that the recommended daily salt intake is five grams but most Nigerians consume between seven and 10 grams much of which is hidden in common items like seasoning cubes, instant noodles, snacks, sauces, bread and processed drinks.

“These products are presented as convenient but the truth about their content is either hidden or misleading,” he stated.

On his part, a public health expert, Dr Joseph Ekiyor said excessive salt intake is a primary risk factor for the most prevalent and life-threatening health conditions in Nigeria.

“High blood pressure is the number one reason people suffer strokes, heart failure, and kidney disease, it sneaks up over years of bad eating habits and often shows no signs until it’s too late,” he said.

He expressed deep concern over the economic burden of NCDs, pointing out that with only three per cent of Nigerians covered under any form of health insurance, many pay for care out-of-pocket.