As the world observes World Food Day today under the theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” young people associated with the Healthy Food Policy Youth Vanguard (HFPYV) are urging governments at all levels to enhance nutritious food policies, bolster food security, and improve access to healthy food in the interest of public health.
The group expressed concern that governments seem to be passive as food corporations continuously target young people with unhealthy, ultra-processed foods and beverages, often laden with high levels of sodium and sugar.
They argue that the excessive consumption of these products is detrimental to health.
In a statement issued by communications team member Afeez Adedayo Bello, the HFPYV stated, “The rising consumption of sodium, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed foods is exacerbating the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in our country and jeopardizing the health of Nigerian youth.”
They highlighted that advertisements for these unhealthy products, frequently masquerading as healthy options, saturate media channels, particularly targeting the youth.
“Food corporations are allowed to market these products unchecked, leading many young people to become addicted to them, ultimately harming their health,” the statement added.
Currently, Nigeria's life expectancy at birth is around 61.79 years as of 2023, but many young Nigerians are at risk of not reaching even this low benchmark due to the detrimental effects of high exposure to sugary drinks and sodium-heavy foods from profit-driven food corporations.
The HFPYV pointed out that these corporations are overshadowing traditional, indigenous foods and altering local food culture.
They noted that many young Nigerians are unfamiliar with the traditional dishes their grandparents prepared.
For example, ultra-processed items like instant noodles have become the go-to donations for disaster relief, and sugary beverages are now preferred over traditional healthy drinks at social gatherings across the country.
The group emphasised that the burden of NCDs is already straining Nigeria’s healthcare system and stressed the urgent need to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods to improve health outcomes.
They also raised concerns about the aggressive marketing of tobacco products targeting Nigerian youth, stating, “Alarmingly, approximately five million young Nigerians are addicted to tobacco, increasing their vulnerability to debilitating NCDs.”
The statement warned that the tobacco industry continues to introduce new products, such as electronic cigarettes and herbal cigarettes, which are attractively packaged to lure children and young people into smoking and vaping.
World Food Day serves not only as a global observance aimed at raising awareness about food security and access to nutritious food for all, but also highlights the need for sustainable agriculture and food production to tackle global food challenges.
The HFPYV stressed that every Nigerian child deserves proper nutrition, yet millions face daily hunger.
In this context, they are calling on governments to realign food and agricultural policies, including climate strategies, to improve access to nutritious foods and create healthier, more equitable, and sustainable food systems.
They advocate for increased agricultural budgets that promote the production of nutritious foods, enhance availability, and reduce costs, making healthy diets more affordable.
Additionally, the group recommends implementing effective policies such as a sugary drinks tax, mandatory limits on salt intake, and stringent tobacco control measures to create a supportive environment for healthier dietary choices.
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