Nigeria has taken another step towards strengthening its food and nutrition policies with the review of a draft Nutrient Profile Model (NPM), a scientific framework that will classify foods and beverages based on their nutritional composition and support efforts to tackle diet-related diseases.
The draft model was reviewed during a two-day National Technical Committee Workshop convened by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) in Nasarawa State from June 1–2, 2026. The meeting brought together representatives of government agencies, regulatory bodies, academia, development partners, and civil society organisations, including Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
The Nutrient Profile Model is expected to play an important role in shaping future nutrition policies in Nigeria by providing a scientific basis for identifying foods high in nutrients of concern such as sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. It is also expected to inform measures aimed at creating healthier food environments and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
Opening the workshop, Dr. Fatima Mohammed Yusuf, Head of the Nutrition Service Division of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, welcomed participants and commended stakeholders for their commitment to the development of the model. She stressed the importance of collaboration among government institutions, researchers, regulators, development partners, and civil society organisations in ensuring that the framework reflects Nigeria’s realities and public health needs.
Providing an overview of the development process, Mrs. Grace Mogekwu, Associate Director in the Nutrition Dept of FMOHSW, traced the steps that led to the current draft, including the development of a costed work plan, the establishment of terms of reference, the inauguration of the National Task Force, and the constitution of scientific and technical committees. She explained that the Nutrient Profile Model is intended not only as a technical framework but also as a policy instrument capable of strengthening nutrition governance, supporting accountability, promoting evidence-based policymaking, and contributing to healthier food environments across Nigeria.
The significance of the model was reinforced by discussions on the changing nature of Nigeria’s food environment. Presenting evidence that informed the draft framework, Dr. Adedayo Ojo of the University of Abuja highlighted findings from ongoing research on packaged foods and beverages in Nigeria. According to the presentation, more than 77 per cent of assessed packaged food products were classified as ultra-processed, raising concerns about the growing consumption of foods associated with poor nutrition outcomes.
The research also examined levels of sodium, sugar, fats, and energy across food categories and assessed how products would perform against proposed nutrient thresholds. Participants agreed that the findings underscore the need for stronger, evidence-based interventions to improve diets and protect public health.
Presenting the Zero Draft Nutrient Profile Model, Dr. Davis Omotola, consultant to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, situated the framework within Nigeria’s broader nutrition challenges. He noted that the country faces a triple burden of malnutrition in which undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies coexist with rising levels of overweight, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and other diet-related non-communicable diseases.
As part of the deliberations, stakeholders reviewed key sections of the draft document, proposed revisions to strengthen definitions, governance mechanisms, implementation timelines, and monitoring frameworks, and identified areas requiring additional evidence and clarification. Further discussions centred on ensuring that the model reflects Nigeria’s dietary realities while remaining aligned with international best practices. Participants also considered how the model could support future policy interventions, including front-of-pack nutrition labelling, restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and other measures designed to promote healthier food choices.
CAPPA welcomed the inclusive and evidence-driven approach adopted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies that protect public health and improve nutrition outcomes. We noted that the development of a strong Nutrient Profile Model represents an important foundation for future measures aimed at empowering consumers to make more informed choices, reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods, and tackling the rising burden of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other diet-related illnesses in Nigeria.
The workshop concluded with agreement on the next phase of the process, including the submission of additional stakeholder comments, harmonisation of recommendations, and a validation meeting scheduled for July 2026. CAPPA remains committed to supporting evidence-based nutrition policies and working with stakeholders to advance food systems that uphold the health and well-being of all Nigerians.
