The alarming revelation by the Federal Government that unsafe food causes over 53,000 deaths yearly in Nigeria should provoke national outrage and urgent action. More disturbing is the disclosure that the country records about 50 million cases of food-borne illnesses every year, with children under five bearing more than 80 per cent of the burden. These figures expose a public health emergency that has lingered for too long despite its devastating impact on lives, productivity and national development.

Food is a basic necessity of life and yet, for millions of Nigerians, what should nourish and sustain life has become a source of disease, disability and death.  The latest figures released by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, citing World Health Organisation data and other studies, reveal the magnitude of a crisis that has largely remained hidden in plain sight.

Besides the 53,000 yearly deaths, unsafe food is responsible for the loss of 4.26 million years of healthy life through illness, disability and premature mortality. This is a tragedy that demands a coordinated national response. The burden of food-borne diseases in Nigeria is driven largely by diarrhoeal infections caused by pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Shigella and rotavirus. These diseases thrive in environments where hygiene standards are poor, food is improperly handled, and access to clean water is inadequate. The consequences are particularly severe for young children, whose developing immune systems make them highly vulnerable to infections that can cause malnutrition, stunted growth, cognitive impairment and death.

Several factors contribute to the country’s food safety crisis. One of the most prominent is poor sanitation. Across many communities, food is prepared, displayed and sold in environments that fall far below acceptable health standards. Open markets, roadside food vendors and informal food processing centres often operate without adequate regulation or monitoring. Exposure to dust, flies, contaminated water and improper storage conditions creates fertile ground for food contamination.

Another major challenge is the weak enforcement of food safety regulations. Nigeria has several agencies responsible for food safety oversight, including the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and state and local government authorities. However, poor coordination, inadequate funding and limited manpower have often undermined effective enforcement. As a result, unsafe practices continue with little consequence.

The widespread use of harmful chemicals in food production and preservation further compounds the problem. Reports of pesticide residues on vegetables, excessive use of preservatives, contaminated grains and unsafe storage practices have become increasingly common. The Minister of State for Health rightly highlighted lead contamination as an emerging threat, particularly through contaminated grains, spices and water sources. Such exposure can cause irreversible damage to the brain, kidneys and other organs, especially among children.

Nigeria’s inadequate infrastructure also contributes significantly to food safety challenges. Frequent power outages make it difficult to maintain the cold chains required for preserving perishable foods. In many rural areas, poor roads and transportation networks increase the risk of spoilage before products reach consumers. The lack of modern storage facilities leads to post-harvest losses and encourages the sale of food products that may no longer be safe for consumption.

Public awareness of food safety remains low. Many consumers are unaware of the risks associated with poor food handling practices. From improper washing of fruits and vegetables to inadequate cooking temperatures and unsafe storage methods at home, simple mistakes can have deadly consequences. Food safety must therefore be viewed not only as a regulatory issue but also as a public education challenge.

The economic implications of food-borne diseases are equally troubling. Illnesses reduce worker productivity, increase healthcare costs and place additional strain on families already struggling with economic hardship. When children suffer long-term developmental impairments due to food-borne infections, the nation loses valuable human capital that is essential for future growth and competitiveness. Therefore, improving food safety is not merely a health intervention; it is an investment in national development.

Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive and sustained strategy. First, the government must strengthen food safety regulations and ensure strict enforcement at all levels. Regulatory agencies should be adequately funded, equipped and staffed to conduct regular inspections of food production, processing and distribution facilities. Offenders who compromise public health through unsafe practices must face meaningful sanctions.

Second, there is a need for stronger collaboration among federal, state and local governments. Food safety should be mainstreamed into public health planning and agricultural policies. The National Food Safety Management Committee must be empowered to coordinate efforts across sectors and eliminate regulatory overlaps that often weaken enforcement.

Third, investments in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure are critical. Access to clean water remains fundamental to safe food preparation and consumption. The government should accelerate efforts to improve water supply systems, waste management and environmental sanitation, particularly in densely populated urban centres and rural communities.

Fourth, food safety education should become a national priority. Public awareness campaigns must be intensified through schools, healthcare facilities, markets, traditional institutions and the media. Food handlers, farmers, processors and vendors should receive regular training on best practices. Consumers should also be educated on how to identify and avoid potentially unsafe food products.

Fifth, Nigeria must strengthen laboratory capacity and surveillance systems to detect foodborne diseases and chemical contaminants. Reliable data are essential for identifying outbreaks, tracing sources of contamination and implementing timely interventions. Modern testing facilities should be established across the country to support evidence-based decision-making.

Finally, the private sector has an important role to play. Food producers, manufacturers, retailers and hospitality operators must embrace higher standards of quality control and accountability. Profit should never come before public health. Companies that invest in food safety systems not only protect consumers but also enhance their competitiveness in domestic and international markets.

The Federal Government’s renewed focus on food safety is commendable, but declarations alone will not save lives. What is required is decisive action backed by political will, adequate funding and public participation. Every Nigerian deserves access to safe and nutritious food. The death of 53,000 citizens yearly from preventable food-borne illnesses is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue.

Food safety is a shared responsibility; government, businesses, communities and individuals must work together to ensure that food nourishes life rather than spreads disease. The cost of inaction is measured not only in statistics but also in shattered families, lost opportunities and diminished national potential. Nigeria can and must do better.