By Humphrey Ukeaja
Imagine walking through a bustling Nigerian market, where brightly coloured food packages compete for your attention. From small shops to large malls, a wide variety of items are attractively displayed. However, hidden beneath these vibrant wrappers is the danger of excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats in many of these products, contributing to Nigeria’s growing health crisis. Without clear and mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL), consumers are denied the basic right to make informed choices. Unknowingly, they purchase more junk food, significantly increasing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which currently account for 30 per cent of annual deaths in Nigeria.
A recent report titled Junk on Our Plates, published by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), underscores the urgent need for FOPWL. The report, based on investigations across seven Nigerian states, exposes how food and beverage companies aggressively market unhealthy products—often falsely labelling them as “nutritious” or “natural.” For instance, some sugary yoghurts were labelled “not sugary,” while certain seasoning brands in Northern Nigeria concealed information about their high sodium content but used culturally resonant messaging to boost sales. This lack of transparency strips Nigerians of the ability to make informed dietary choices, pushing them further into the grip of preventable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions.
The global rise in NCDs is well-documented, and Nigeria is no exception. A major contributing factor is the widespread consumption of heavily processed foods, marketed aggressively and strategically placed in stores. Without mandatory warning labels to alert consumers, many remain unaware of the health risks. Consequently, poor dietary choices become normalised, fuelling a cycle of illness that burdens families and the national healthcare system alike.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. International experience shows that countries can successfully reverse these trends through bold regulatory action. In Chile, for example, the introduction of clear black octagonal warning labels on foods high in sugar, sodium, saturated fats, and trans fats empowered consumers to make healthier choices. It also forced companies to reformulate products, leading to a nearly 24 per cent drop in the purchase of sugary drinks within a year.
Mexico and Peru have implemented similar systems and recorded significant shifts in both consumer behaviour and industry practices. In Peru, marketing claims on processed foods changed drastically as manufacturers reformulated products and adopted warning labels, making their offerings healthier. Beyond Latin America, other nations are also making progress. In Canada, while not using warning labels per se, nutrition symbols now flag high levels of sugar, salt, and saturated fat—helping to increase consumer awareness and, to some extent, encourage the development of healthier products. South Africa has published draft regulations for front-of-pack warning labels, supported by research and growing public demand. These global examples show that effective labelling reduces harmful consumption, reshapes industry practices, and protects public health.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has long endorsed front-of-pack warning labels as one of the most cost-effective tools for preventing diet-related NCDs. In its 2020 guidance, the WHO recommended interpretive labelling systems, such as high-visibility warnings and symbols, over complex numeric formats that are often difficult for consumers to understand. According to the WHO, such labels not only empower people to make healthier food choices but also help reduce health inequalities, particularly among lower-income groups who are more vulnerable to aggressive junk food marketing. Countries that have followed the WHO’s guidance have seen measurable declines in the consumption of unhealthy foods, demonstrating the effectiveness of labelling as part of a broader nutrition policy framework.
For Nigeria, mandatory warning labels are not just a matter of consumer rights—they are a public health necessity. A clear, standardised labelling system will empower citizens to make better dietary choices, reduce junk food consumption, and ease the burden of NCDs. This proactive approach can halt the rising tide of diet-related diseases and pave the way for a healthier future for generations to come.
As a matter of urgency, the Nigerian government should enact regulations requiring front-of-pack warning labels on foods high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. These labels must be visible, understandable, and consistent across all brands. Public education campaigns are also essential to help consumers interpret these labels and understand the health risks associated with poor nutrition. Simultaneously, manufacturers should be required to reformulate their products to reduce harmful ingredients and align with public health goals.
Ultimately, embracing transparent front-of-pack warning labelling policies is a vital step toward building a healthier Nigeria, where informed choices triumph over the deceptive allure of junk food, and public well-being is prioritised over short-term commercial interests.
Ukeaja is the Industry Monitoring Officer at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
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