The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing public health through stronger policy actions on sodium reduction and the implementation of Front-of-Pack Labelling (FoPL).

Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, stated this at the 2025 World Food Day event organized by the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Health, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH&SW), the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), Resolve to Save Lives, and the World Health Organization (WHO), in Abuja.

She emphasized that the government remains committed to protecting the health of Nigerians through coordinated national action in alignment with global frameworks.

Anas noted that sodium reduction and front-of-pack labelling are essential components of the Renewed Hope Health Agenda and demonstrate how Nigeria is translating political will into concrete regulatory progress.

“Our national efforts in sodium reduction and clear labelling are not just local initiatives; they are our concrete way of joining hands globally with partners and citizens to create better foods and secure a healthier future for every Nigerian,” she said.

In his presentation, NHED Technical Lead, Dr. Jerome Mafeni, explained that reducing sodium intake is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.

He said the sodium-reduction regulation and front-of-pack labelling framework together address both the supply and demand sides of the challenge — helping producers reformulate products while empowering consumers to make informed dietary choices.

“Better health begins with better information,” Dr. Mafeni said. “By reducing sodium and ensuring that nutrition labels speak clearly to every consumer, Nigeria is taking a decisive step towards better foods and a better future.”

In his goodwill message, the Country Director of NHED commended the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Health for their leadership and reaffirmed NHED’s commitment to supporting government efforts through advocacy, evidence generation, and strategic communication that sustain policy implementation and accountability.

A representative of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mr. Femi from the Department of Food and Drug Safety, reiterated the Ministry’s focus on policy implementation and coordination among stakeholders.

“The Ministry is translating evidence into action through sodium-reduction and clear labelling policies that make safer and healthier food choices easier for all Nigerians,” he said.

Also speaking, social media influencer and health advocate, Dr. Olusina Ajidahun, highlighted the power of digital communication in shaping public awareness.

He urged influencers and journalists to use their platforms responsibly, noting that “every post and story can influence choices and save lives.”

The event reinforced that sodium reduction and front-of-pack labelling are complementary interventions supporting the WHO SHAKE Technical Package for Salt Reduction, the National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan on NCDs (2019–2025), and the WHO Global Action Plan on NCDs (2013–2030).

Participants agreed that continued collaboration among government, the media, and civil society partners is essential to achieving Nigeria’s goal of a healthier population and reducing the burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases.