The Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Mojisola Adeyeye, has cautioned Nigerians about the health risks associated with excessive salt consumption, linking it to the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
She issued the warning during a stakeholder engagement on proposed regulations aimed at reducing sodium levels in pre-packaged foods. According to her, high sodium intake remains a major contributor to preventable deaths both globally and in Nigeria.
Citing guidance from the World Health Organization, she noted that reducing sodium intake is one of the most effective ways to improve public health outcomes.
Further insight was provided by Eva Edwards, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at NAFDAC.
“Nigerians consume an average of about 10 grams of salt daily, nearly twice the WHO recommended limit of 5 grams (equivalent to less than 2 grams of sodium per day).”
She added that national data shows sodium intake levels vary widely, reinforcing the urgency for intervention.
Adeyeye pointed out that changing lifestyles, urbanisation, and increased consumption of processed foods are key drivers of the trend.
“Pre-packaged foods now form a growing share of daily diets, especially in urban areas. While convenient, they contribute significantly to excessive sodium intake,” she said.
To address the issue, NAFDAC is proposing new rules that will: “set maximum sodium limits for selected food categories, mandate clear labelling of sodium content and encourage gradual reformulation of products by manufacturers.”
She stressed that collaboration with the food industry will be critical to achieving meaningful results.
“The food industry plays a central role in reformulating products while maintaining quality and safety,” she said.
Adeyeye described sodium reduction as a “national health priority,” urging swift action to protect public health.
“By taking decisive action today, we are protecting future generations from preventable diseases,” she said.
