Food safety is often discussed in terms of contamination, poor hygiene, and foodborne diseases. But increasingly, policymakers and public health experts are drawing attention to another reality: food can be safe to consume and still contribute to poor health outcomes. That message featured prominently at an Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) and its partners to commemorate World Food Safety Day 2026 in Abuja.
The event brought together representatives of the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), civil society organisations including Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA),, as well as industry representatives such as the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), members of the media, and other stakeholders.
Held under the theme, “From Burden to Solutions: Safe Food Everywhere,” the briefing highlighted the urgent need to address both foodborne diseases and unhealthy diets as major public health concerns. Discussions focused on strengthening food safety systems, improving nutrition outcomes, enhancing regulatory oversight, and promoting healthier food environments across the country.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Daju Kachollom, described food safety as a collective responsibility and stressed the need for coordinated action to reduce the burden of food-related illnesses. She noted that food safety is not only a health issue but also an economic and development concern with implications for productivity, healthcare costs, and national well-being.
Delivering the keynote media briefing, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, painted a sobering picture of the global and regional burden of unsafe food. He noted that millions of people are affected by foodborne diseases each year, with Africa carrying a disproportionate share of the burden. According to the Minister, the consequences extend far beyond illness. Foodborne diseases contribute to malnutrition, poor child development, disability, lost productivity, and avoidable deaths. He stressed that strengthening food safety systems must remain a priority for Nigeria and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve foodborne disease surveillance, hygiene standards, food manufacturing practices, and coordination across sectors.
Importantly, Dr. Salako also drew attention to another growing challenge: the rapid rise of non-communicable diseases linked to unhealthy diets. Hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are placing increasing pressure on Nigeria’s health system, underscoring the need for stronger measures to improve the nutritional quality of foods available to consumers. Among the initiatives highlighted were sodium reduction measures, front-of-pack food labelling, trans-fat regulation, and efforts to strengthen the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Tax. These interventions are intended to encourage healthier diets, support product reformulation by industry, and reduce the burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
The issue was explored further during a panel session on unhealthy diets, sodium, and non-communicable diseases. Researchers and regulators examined the relationship between excessive consumption of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats and the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria. Presenting research findings, Dr. Adedayo Ojo of the University of Abuja noted that a significant proportion of ultra-processed foods consumed in Nigeria contain high levels of nutrients of concern, including sodium, sugar, and trans fats. The findings reinforce growing concerns about the role of ultra-processed foods in shaping poor dietary outcomes and increasing the risk of chronic diseases.
Regulators also outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer protection. Representatives of NAFDAC updated participants on the progress made towards developing sodium and trans-fat regulations, strengthening food composition labelling requirements, and advancing front-of-pack nutrition labelling measures. These reforms are expected to provide consumers with clearer information and support healthier food choices.
Beyond nutrition, conversations examined the environmental and structural factors that affect food safety. Participants pointed to challenges including poor sanitation, unsafe water, environmental pollution, improper waste disposal, and weak coordination among institutions responsible for food safety oversight. Speakers emphasised that meaningful progress will require stronger collaboration across sectors, including health, agriculture, environment, trade, and local government authorities.
