Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise nutrition, food affordability and stronger regulations against unhealthy food products in Nigeria’s food security agenda.
This is according to Robert Egbe, Media and Communications Officer, CAPPA in a Statement on Friday, October 16, 2026.
The organisation made the call in a statement to mark the 2026 World Food Day, themed “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” warning that increased food production alone would not address hunger and malnutrition without ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe, nutritious and affordable meals.
CAPPA acknowledged Nigeria’s position as a leading producer of cassava and a major producer of yam and sorghum, but noted that post-harvest losses, insecurity in farming communities and weaknesses in supply chains continued to undermine food availability and access, leaving millions of Nigerians facing acute food insecurity and undernutrition.
Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics on the rising cost of healthy diets, the group blamed aggressive and deceptive marketing by the ultra-processed food industry for influencing consumers’ choices and limiting access to nutritious food.
“Food security must mean more than having something to eat. It must also mean having access to food that nourishes the body, protects health and supports human development. Nigerians should not have to choose between feeding their families and providing them with nutritious meals,” the organisation said.
It warned that excessive consumption of sugar, sodium and unhealthy fats was associated with diet-related health risks, including obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
The group stressed that tackling hunger and malnutrition required a broader approach that addressed the affordability of fresh foods, the marketing of ultra-processed products and the effectiveness of government regulations protecting consumers.
CAPPA acknowledged the Federal Government’s ongoing review of the National Policy on Food and Nutrition (2016–2025) and plans to accelerate a National Food and Nutrition Bill to protect nutrition financing. However, it cautioned against relying on the ultra-processed food industry to resolve Nigeria’s nutrition challenges, arguing that commercial interests could conflict with public health priorities.
The organisation called for an effective sugar-sweetened beverage tax, clear front-of-pack warning labels, sodium-reduction targets, restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children and sustained efforts to eliminate industrially produced trans fats.
It specifically urged the House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s example by passing the Customs, Excise Tariffs, etc. (Consolidation) Act Amendment Bill, also known as the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Bill, to discourage excessive consumption of sugary drinks and generate domestic revenue to strengthen the health system.
CAPPA also called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other relevant regulatory authorities to strengthen food labelling and product regulation, arguing that front-of-pack warning labels would help consumers make informed dietary choices.
It further urged the government to protect children from the promotion of foods and beverages high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, particularly through digital advertising, influencer marketing and promotional activities around schools.
To make nutritious food more affordable, the organisation advocated increased investment in local food systems, support for smallholder farmers and agroecological production, as well as improved storage facilities, processing capacity and distribution networks.
According to CAPPA, such investments would reduce post-harvest losses, improve local livelihoods and expand access to diverse foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
The group also called for transparent policymaking, safeguards against conflicts of interest and meaningful public participation in decisions affecting Nigeria’s food supply.
It said the 2026 World Food Day should serve as an opportunity to assess whether existing food policies were improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians, adding that innovation must extend beyond agricultural production to include effective regulation, sustainable farming practices and food systems that promote nutrition, equity and accountability.
