The Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Oluwafemi Akinbode, has tasked stakeholders to unpack the tactics used by the food and beverage industry to promote unhealthy diets in Nigeria.

Akinbode, who stated this at a journalism training On Salt Reduction and Front-Of-Pack Labelling (Fopl) In Nigeria, added that it is important they shine a light on the tactics deployed by corporations that are fuelling a growing artificial appetite for ultra-processed food products to curb the trend.

“Your role as custodians of truth, shapers of public understanding, and defenders of the public interest is critical in determining which way the pendulum swings. What you report, how you frame it, and what you leave unquestioned all have real consequences for public health policy.

“This training, supported by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), is designed to shine a light on the tactics deployed by corporations that are fuelling a growing artificial appetite for ultra-processed food products often excessively high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats,across Nigeria.

These practices are contributing directly to the alarming rise in non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, which account for approximately 29 percent of all deaths in Nigeria and are placing an unsustainable burden on families and our already overstretched health system.

“More importantly, this training seeks to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to report effectively on policies that can reverse these trends. Furthermore, it will unpack the tactics used by the food and beverage industry to promote unhealthy diets and resist meaningful regulation, and how to monitor and counter such interference.

“The stories you tell can help shape policies that save lives and protect the well-being of Nigerians. We hope this training provides not just information, but inspiration that encourages you to do just that.”

Also speaking at the programme, the Food Safety Technical Lead, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Femi Stephen, stated that Nigeria’s salt intake is 3.9grams per day which far exceeds the 2 grams safe limit, which is driving the country’s 38 per cent hypertension rate.