NHED Urges Mandatory Sodium Targets, Warning Labels

The Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) has launched a nationwide campaign to mark World Salt Awareness Week 2025, calling for urgent regulatory action to curb excessive salt consumption in the country.

Themed “6 Ways to 6 Grams,” the campaign emphasises practical steps Nigerians can take to reduce their daily salt intake to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended six grams.

The awareness week, observed from May 12 to 18, was used by NHED to renew advocacy for mandatory sodium reduction targets and Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) on processed foods, two critical policies the organisation said can significantly reduce the country’s burden of non-communicable diseases.

Reducing salt intake is not just a personal choice, it’s a policy issue.

Mandatory sodium targets and clear warning labels on packaged foods can shift the food environment, support informed consumer choices, and save lives,“ said Project Director at NHED, Dr. Jerome Mafeni.

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Nigeria currently consumes far more salt than the WHO’s daily recommendation, largely due to the widespread use of bouillon cubes, processed foods, and highly salted street meals. NHED, which leads the Coalition for Healthy Food Advocacy, has been at the forefront of campaigns holding the food industry accountable for high sodium levels in popular products.

Throughout the week, NHED rolled out a series of public education efforts and advocacy engagements, including a social media challenge encouraging individuals to share “6 ways” they’re cutting back on salt, media sensitisation efforts on the health risks of sodium and the importance of clear food labels, policy dialogues with decision-makers to accelerate food labelling and salt reduction reforms, community outreach and digital campaigns to raise awareness across platforms.

NHED called on health advocates, media professionals, government agencies, and community leaders to support the push for stronger regulations that protect public health.