CAPPA Warns: Food Production Gains Mean Little As Nigerians Struggle To Afford Healthy Meals
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Millions of Nigerians face hunger and undernutrition despite the country’s position as a leading producer of cassava and a major producer of yam and sorghum, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has said.
The organisation, in a statement marking World Food Day 2026, urged the Federal Government to make nutritious, safe and affordable food central to Nigeria’s food security policies.
CAPPA warned that rising food costs, insecurity in farming communities, post-harvest losses and weaknesses in supply chains continue to undermine access to healthy diets.
With this year’s theme, “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” the organisation cautioned against measuring food security solely by how much food the country produces, stressing that Nigerians must also be able to afford meals that support good health.
It also raised concerns about the marketing of ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, warning that excessive consumption is associated with obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
CAPPA called for stronger food regulations, including an effective sugar-sweetened beverage tax, clear front-of-pack warning labels, sodium-reduction targets and restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children.
The group specifically urged the House of Representatives to pass the Customs, Excise Tariffs, etc. (Consolidation) Act Amendment Bill, also known as the SSB Tax Bill, following the Senate’s action on the measure.
It further called for increased investment in smallholder farmers, local food systems, storage facilities and distribution networks to reduce food losses and improve access to fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
CAPPA maintained that Nigeria’s food security strategy must go beyond food availability to address affordability, nutrition and consumer protection, insisting that families should not have to choose between eating enough and eating healthily.
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