Follow Us on Google
By Merit Ibe
As Nigeria battles a surge in diet-related illnesses, health experts are urging food manufacturers to place clear and simple nutrition warnings on the front of product packages where shoppers can easily see them. They argue that vital information about high sugar, salt and unhealthy fat content is often hidden in tiny prints at the back of packs, leaving consumers to rely on branding and advertising when making choices.
By adopting bold Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL), experts say companies can empower Nigerians to make healthier decisions and help curb the growing burden of non-communicable diseases nationwide.
Across markets and supermarkets in Nigeria, packaged foods compete aggressively for attention. However, key nutrition information is often buried in tiny prints at the back or side of packs, which are not easily noticeable by many shoppers, who make decisions based on branding and advertising long before they notice the detailed nutrition panel.
Health professionals warn that this communication gap has contributed to the growing burden of NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Excessive intake of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats remains a major risk factor, yet consumers are not always clearly informed about what they are consuming.
Experts argue that manufacturers must move beyond marketing claims like “light,” “healthy,” or “fortified” and prioritise transparency. With the official adoption of FOPL in July 2025, producers are now expected to provide clear, accurate and evidence-based nutrition information prominently on the front of their products.
More importantly, FOPL places direct pressure on manufacturers to reformulate their products. To avoid prominent warning labels indicating high levels of sugar, salt or saturated fats, companies are encouraged to reduce harmful ingredients and improve nutritional quality.
Regulatory bodies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) are responsible for enforcing compliance, including provisions under the 2022 Pre-packaged Food (Labelling) Regulations and emerging FOPL guidelines.
Industry stakeholders note that the adoption of FOPL signals a shift in corporate accountability. Manufacturers are no longer just producers of goods; they are key players in safeguarding public health. Aligning product formulation with national health priorities is no longer optional but a regulatory and moral obligation.
By embracing transparent labelling and healthier reformulation, manufacturers can rebuild consumer trust, support healthier food environments and contribute to reducing Nigeria’s healthcare burden. Ultimately, experts maintain that FOPL will only achieve its goals if manufacturers fully accept their frontline role in shaping a healthier Nigeria.
According to Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), front labels should include bold warnings such as “High in Sugar” or colour-coded indicators that allow shoppers to instantly understand health risks.
For busy consumers, those with limited literacy, or individuals without nutrition training, such clarity can be life-saving. FOPL empowers Nigerians to make healthier choices in real time.
Other News
CAPPA maintains that FOPL does more than inform consumers, it also pushes manufacturers to reformulate their products. Companies are less likely to want warning labels displayed prominently on their packaging. Clearer labelling can encourage reduced levels of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats in processed foods.
Director, CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, warned that ultra-processed foods high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats are contributing significantly to hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and certain cancers, which account for a substantial share of deaths nationwide.
He described the situation as a silent struggle between profit-driven corporate interests and public health priorities, urging stronger government regulation to ensure full disclosure of salt and sugar content beyond fine print.
Similarly, Dr. Jerome Mafeni, Technical Advisor, Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), emphasized that achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals on nutrition and NCD reduction requires stronger regulatory action. He noted that front-of-pack warning labels are far more effective than back-of-pack tables, which many consumers struggle to interpret.
Public health advocate Bukola Olukemi Odele also stressed that NCDs such as hypertension, stroke and diabetes are responsible for a growing number of deaths and disabilities in Nigeria. She described front-of-pack labelling and mandatory salt reduction targets as cost-effective strategies to protect future generations.
“With 6.2 million Nigerians living with hypertension, “silent killer” diseases are increasing. FOPL is a crucial intervention to help consumers make healthier choices and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.”
A manufacturer, Titi Bidwell, stated that her products bear the FOPL, but are not very bold due to space constraint.
“I agree with the producers complying with the FOPL, but most of us don’t do the right thing for different reasons. While some want to protect their brands, some want more patronise, more profits, and a reputation among others.”
Aligning with global best practices
As Nigeria moves toward adopting national front-of-pack policies in line with World Health Organization recommendations, stakeholders are calling for comprehensive reforms. These include mandatory sodium targets for packaged foods, restrictions on marketing unhealthy products, fiscal measures such as taxes on high-sugar and high-salt foods, and stronger food safety regulations.
Ultimately, front-of-pack labelling is about fairness and transparency. It ensures that every Nigerian regardless of education level, has access to clear, visible and understandable information before making food choices.
In a nation where health and productivity are closely linked, simple changes like clear front labels could mean smarter decisions, fewer diet-related diseases and a healthier Nigeria for generations to come.
