The Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) have urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts aimed at reducing sodium consumption and improving access to healthy and nutritious foods across the country.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday to commemorate World Salt Awareness Week 2026, the organisations warned that excessive salt intake is contributing significantly to the growing cases of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.
The groups noted that this year’s theme, “6 Ways to 6 Grams,” highlights the urgent need for governments, food manufacturers, communities, and individuals to adopt practical measures to reduce daily salt intake to the recommended limit of five grams or less.
According to the coalition, Nigeria is currently facing an increasing public health challenge linked to unhealthy diets and the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods loaded with sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Citing available statistics, the organisations disclosed that Nigerians consume an estimated 3.8 grams of sodium daily, equivalent to about 10 grams of salt, nearly twice the World Health Organisation’s recommended daily limit of 2 grams of sodium or 5 grams of salt.
Executive Director of CCSI, Babafunke Fagbemi, described excessive salt intake as a major public health emergency fueling the alarming rise in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases nationwide.
She stressed that sodium reduction should become a national health priority through the introduction of enforceable policies such as mandatory sodium limits in processed foods, front-of-pack warning labels, and stronger public awareness campaigns.
Technical Adviser of NHED, Dr Jerome Mafeni, also warned that the country’s healthcare system could face severe social and economic pressure if urgent preventive measures are not implemented to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
Speaking for CAPPA, Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi said while addressing micronutrient deficiencies remains important, nutrition policies must align with broader public health goals.
He cautioned that food policies should not unintentionally encourage the consumption of ultra-processed foods associated with rising cases of diet-related illnesses.
The organisations called on the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and other stakeholders to take decisive action to protect Nigerians from unhealthy food environments.
Among the measures proposed were mandatory salt reduction targets for processed foods, warning labels on ultra-processed products, intensified public education on the dangers of excessive salt consumption, and greater support for healthier food systems.
The coalition also advised Nigerians to embrace healthier eating habits by reducing the use of added salt and seasoning cubes, consuming more fresh foods, fruits and vegetables, and using natural spices such as ginger, turmeric, curry, and fish powder as alternatives.
The statement added that healthy diets should not be treated solely as personal responsibility but also as a matter of public policy, stressing that governments must create food environments that promote and protect public health.
World Salt Awareness Week 2026 is being observed from May 11 to May 17 with a focus on reducing dietary salt intake to prevent hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and kidney-related illnesses.