Experts Warn Nigeria Against Turning ‘Hidden Killers’ Into Nutrition Solutions
As Nigeria battles rising cases of hypertension, stroke and heart disease, health experts have warned that fortifying ultra-processed foods could worsen the country’s silent public health crisis rather than solve malnutrition.
At a press briefing in Abuja organised by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Professor Dike Ojji of the University of Abuja said cardiovascular diseases now account for about 10-11 per cent of annual deaths in Nigeria, driven largely by high salt intake, obesity, diabetes and sedentary lifestyles.
CAPPA Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, warned that fortifying products such as seasoning cubes, instant noodles and sugary cereals creates a dangerous “health halo”, making consumers believe unhealthy foods are safe because vitamins have been added.
Also speaking, Jerome Mafeni cautioned against using bouillon cubes as fortification vehicles, describing them as a contradiction of Nigeria’s sodium reduction goals.
“We cannot solve hidden hunger by deepening a hidden killer crisis,” he said.
The experts urged the Federal Government to prioritise healthier local foods, enforce salt reduction policies and introduce stricter warning labels on ultra-processed products.
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