World Obesity Day: CAPPA Calls For Ban On Junk Food Ads Targeting Kids

As the world marks World Obesity Day (WOD), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged the federal government to introduce stricter controls on the aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages linked to obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The organisation warned that bold policy action is urgently needed to safeguard public health.

In a statement commemorating World Obesity Day 2026, with the theme: “8 billion reasons to act on obesity,” CAPPA described obesity as one of the most pressing global health challenges. Citing projections that nearly half of the global population, about four billion people may be living with overweight or obesity by 2035.

CAPPA said rapid urbanisation, changing diets, and the increasing presence of ultra-processed foods in the country markets are reshaping food environment in harmful ways.

The organisation raised concern about the widespread marketing and easy availability of foods high in sugar, salt, and trans fats, which it said are contributing to rising cases of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other diet-related conditions.

Data from the National Library of Medicine shows that as of 2020, more than 21 million Nigerians aged 15 and above were overweight, while over 12 million were living with obesity.

CAPPA expressed particular alarm over the targeted advertising of unhealthy foods to children and young people through television, digital platforms, in-school promotions, and outdoor adverts especially during festive seasons.

The group, referencing its recent report “Unhealthy Food Hijack of Festive Periods in Nigeria,” said this strategy is designed to influence children’s taste preferences and secure long-term consumers at the expense of public health.

To curb this trend, CAPPA called on federal, state, and local governments to introduce and enforce policies that restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children across all platforms.

The organisation also reiterated its demand for the National Assembly to significantly increase the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) tax, arguing that the current rate is too low to meaningfully reduce consumption. CAPPA recommended raising the tax to 50 per cent of the retail price, in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance, saying this would lower intake and provide additional revenue for health financing.

Beyond taxation, CAPPA underscored the need for mandatory Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) to help consumers easily identify products high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats. Clear, visible warning labels, the group said, would counter deceptive marketing, support healthier choices, and push manufacturers to reformulate their products.

The organisation further urged the government to establish and enforce a strong national salt reduction regulation.

With excessive sodium intake linked to obesity, hypertension, stroke, and heart disease among millions of Nigerians, CAPPA said mandatory salt targets for processed and packaged foods are an essential, evidence-based step toward better public health.

As the world reflects on the “8 billion reasons” to act on obesity, CAPPA noted that Nigeria has its own urgent reasons to take action.