CAPPA Urges Government To Prioritise Healthy Food Policies In Cancer Fight
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Cancer Day 2025, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the federal and state governments to take decisive action against cancer by implementing strong healthy food policies.
CAPPA emphasised the urgent need to reduce exposure to ultra-processed foods, excessive sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), high salt consumption, and tobacco products, which are major risk factors for cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) leading to over 120,000 new cancer cases annually and Nigerians spending ₦12 billion yearly on treatment.
To curb these risks, the advocacy group proposed raising the SSB tax from ₦10 to ₦130, enforcing salt reduction guidelines, regulating novel tobacco products, and improving public awareness campaigns.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, stressed that a healthier food environment backed by government policies could significantly lower cancer rates in Nigeria.
This year’s World Cancer Day, themed “United by Unique,” highlights stories of those affected by cancer and the need for collective action in the fight against the disease.
