Kazeem Biriowo

As part of activities marking World Food Day 2025, the Presidency has reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians’ health through coordinated action on sodium reduction and front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) — two key policy areas aimed at creating a healthier food environment and reducing diet-related diseases nationwide. The event, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” was jointly organised in Abuja by the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Health, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH&SW), CAPPA, GHAI, Resolve to Save Lives, and the World Health Organization (WHO). Delivering the keynote address, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health and Policy Champion for Sodium Reduction, reaffirmed that the Presidency remains steadfast in ensuring Nigerians have access to safer and healthier food options through evidence-based policy reforms. “Our national efforts in sodium reduction and clear labelling are not just local initiatives; they are our concrete way of taking a global hand and working together with partners and citizens to create better foods and secure a better future for every Nigerian,” Dr Anas said. She added that sodium reduction and front-of-pack labelling are core pillars of the Renewed Hope Health Agenda, reflecting the government’s determination to translate political will into measurable outcomes that improve citizens’ health. In his technical presentation, Dr Jerome Mafeni, Technical Lead at NHED, described sodium reduction as “one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.” “Better health begins with better information,” Dr Mafeni stressed. “By reducing sodium and ensuring that nutrition labels speak clearly to every consumer, Nigeria is taking a decisive step towards better foods and a better future.” Representing the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mr Femi from the Department of Food and Drug Safety explained that the Ministry is focused on translating scientific evidence into actionable policy. “The Ministry is translating evidence into action through sodium-reduction and clear labelling policies that make safer and healthier food choices easier for all Nigerians,” he stated. Also speaking, Dr Olusina Ajidahun, a social media influencer and health advocate, called on digital creators and journalists to take greater responsibility in public health communication. “Every post and story can influence choices and save lives,” he said. “We must all use our platforms to promote accurate information and encourage healthier lifestyles.” In his goodwill message, the Country Director of NHED commended the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Health for their leadership, noting that sustained collaboration among stakeholders is vital for accountability and long-term success. “NHED remains committed to supporting government through advocacy, evidence generation, and strategic communication that ensure effective policy implementation and accountability,” he affirmed. The engagement underscored that sodium reduction and FOPL are central to Nigeria’s alignment with global frameworks, including the WHO SHAKE Technical Package for Salt Reduction, the National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan on NCDs (2019–2025), and the WHO Global Action Plan on NCDs (2013–2030). Participants at the event emphasised that continued cooperation among government agencies, the media, and civil society is essential to reducing the growing burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases and achieving a healthier population for all Nigerians. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE