On World Heart Day, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement stronger measures to reduce sodium intake and promote healthier food choices. In a statement released on September 29, 2026, CAPPA emphasized the need for policies that make healthier food options more accessible and reduce exposure to excessive salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. The organization highlighted the importance of addressing the high sodium content in bouillon cubes, a staple in Nigerian cuisine.
CAPPA's demands come as the organization releases its Junk on Our Plates report, which reveals that food and beverage companies are increasingly using advertising, celebrity endorsements, and pricing strategies to promote products high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. According to CAPPA, these marketing tactics contribute to the high consumption of unhealthy foods in Nigeria, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The organization cited the World Health Organisation's recommendation that adults consume less than 2,000mg of sodium a day, equivalent to less than 5g of salt.
One of CAPPA's main concerns is the proposed mandatory fortification of bouillon cubes with micronutrients. While the organization acknowledges the importance of addressing micronutrient deficiencies, it argues that fortifying bouillon cubes does not address the high sodium content of these products. CAPPA Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, emphasized that adding micronutrients to an unhealthy product does not make it healthy. He also noted that the widespread consumption of bouillon cubes should not be used as justification for making them the preferred vehicle for delivering additional nutrients.
CAPPA is urging the Federal Government to introduce mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on food products, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices about their diet. The organization also calls for tighter regulation of unhealthy-food marketing and greater access to affordable, nutritious, and minimally processed foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. According to CAPPA, these policies are crucial in protecting cardiovascular health and preventing non-communicable diseases.
The World Heart Day theme for 2026, "Don't Miss a Beat," focuses on recognizing overlooked signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease early. CAPPA's Akinbode Oluwafemi emphasized that protecting cardiovascular health requires attention not only to treatment but also to the food environment. He noted that government policies must prioritize making nutritious, minimally processed foods accessible and affordable, while reducing Nigerians' exposure to excessive salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
CAPPA's demands are part of a broader call for the Nigerian government to prioritize public health in its food and nutrition policies. The organization argues that policies should be guided by independent public-health evidence and address micronutrient deficiencies without undermining efforts to improve diets and prevent non-communicable diseases. CAPPA also urges the government to ensure that efforts to tackle micronutrient deficiencies are evidence-based and do not inadvertently encourage greater reliance on ultra-processed foods.
As World Heart Day is observed annually on September 29, CAPPA's campaign highlights the need for urgent action to address the growing burden of cardiovascular disease in Nigeria. With cardiovascular disease being a major risk factor for high blood pressure, CAPPA's demands aim to promote healthier food choices and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in Nigeria. The organization's efforts aim to promote a healthier food environment and encourage the government to prioritize public health in its policies.
Key points
- CAPPA urges Nigerian government to strengthen sodium-reduction measures and introduce warning labels on food products
- Organization argues that mandatory fortification of bouillon cubes does not address high sodium content
- CAPPA calls for greater access to affordable, nutritious, and minimally processed foods
