Nigeria Advances Food Safety and Healthier Diet Initiatives

During the virtual commemoration of the 2026 World Food Safety Day in Abuja, Mr. Iziak Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced Nigeria's commitment to improving food safety and promoting healthier diets.

The government has made significant progress, as evidenced by its performance in the 2023 Joint External Evaluation, which positions Nigeria ahead of the World Health Organization's targets for low- and middle-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Salako disclosed that Nigeria is addressing dietary risk factors associated with increased cases of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity through policies aimed at reducing excessive consumption of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

The government plans to implement regulations to eliminate industrial trans fats and strengthen taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages. Additionally, initiatives are underway to introduce front-pack food labeling to inform consumers about nutritional content.

Salako emphasized the need for greater investment in food safety surveillance and public awareness to combat foodborne diseases.