As the world commemorates World Cancer Day 2025, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Nigerian federal and state governments to develop and enforce comprehensive policies aimed at reducing citizens' exposure to ultra-processed foods, tobacco, excessive sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and high salt intake, all major risk factors fueling Nigeria’s growing cancer burden and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
In a statement marking the occasion, CAPPA highlighted the alarming rate of cancer cases in Nigeria, with over 120,000 new diagnoses annually, according to the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment.
The National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan (2018-2022) also estimates that Nigerians spend a staggering N12 billion annually on cancer treatment.
These figures, CAPPA warned, underscore the urgent need for preventive measures and a multi-sectoral policy approach to tackle the disease and its root causes.
To address these concerns, CAPPA urged the government to strengthen and enforce healthy food policies, including national guidelines to reduce salt consumption, increase the SSB tax from the current N10 to N130 per litre to curb excessive consumption of sugary drinks and generate revenue for public health interventions, strictly regulate novel tobacco products, which are increasingly being marketed to young people, allocate more resources to the tobacco control fund to enhance enforcement efforts and awareness campaigns.
The Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, stressed that creating healthier food environments through effective policies is crucial to combating cancer and other NCDs.
He emphasized the need for fiscal measures that reduce the affordability of unhealthy diets while encouraging healthier food choices, promote targeted subsidies and strategic agricultural investments in nutrient-rich crops, discourage tobacco use and regulate emerging tobacco products.
CAPPA called for front-of-package labelling to clearly display the nutritional content of food products, empowering consumers to make healthier choices.
The organization also stressed the importance of nationwide public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on the direct link between diet and cancer and encourage healthier eating habits.
By adopting these strategies, CAPPA concluded, the Nigerian government can create a sustainable, health-focused framework that reduces cancer risks, curbs NCD prevalence, and fosters overall national wellness.
World Cancer Day, celebrated every February 4, is themed "United by Unique” this year, focusing on the diverse stories of individuals affected by cancer.
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