Group seeks legislation against promotion of unhealthy foods in Nigeria

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa(CAPPA) has called for a strict legislative framework to address the rising promotion of unhealthy foods in the country.

The group explained that growing promotion and advertisement of foods with high salts and sugar among others are putting the unsuspecting public in dangerous health situations.

The Assistant Executive Director in CAPPA, Zakora Ibeh spoke during the closing ceremony of the Youth Bootcamp for Food Justice 2025 at the warm springs resort, Ikogosi-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

The bootcamp which had participants across the six geo-political zones in the country was organised by CAPPA in partnership with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) towards safeguarding the public health for the nation’s growth and development.

She argued that all efforts must be geared towards preventing the spread of deadly non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and cancers

According to her, the diseases have been identified as the manifestations of the epidemic of NCDs from the volume of unhealthy food such as beverages in the country.

She added the participants mainly youths have been trained and equipped with the necessary skills to act as advocates in using their platforms in a bid to ensure healthy society and achieving food justice.

Ibeh said, ” these companies should ensure front-of-pack labeling that allows Nigerians to make informed dietary decisions.

“If a product is high in salt, sugar, or fat, it should be boldly indicated for everyone to see. This is how we can reverse the growing trend of diet-related diseases in Nigeria.”

Also, Associate Director of CAPPA’s Food Justice Program, Abayomi Sarumi, explained that the training aimed to build a movement of young Nigerians who will contribute to policy processes and demand government action on public health.

He noted that non-communicable diseases, once associated with the aged, are now prevalent among young people, underscoring the urgency of food policy reforms.

Some of the participants including ThankGod Ochai and Hope Ndidiamaka Ogunka expressed their delight at the programme, saying they would use their platforms to sensitise people about food justice in their respective communities.

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