Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Public health experts urge Nigeria to rethink food fortification policies, warning that ultra-processed foods could worsen chronic disease risks.
At a briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, advocacy groups caution against using high-sodium products as nutrient delivery vehicles.
Akinbode Oluwafemi of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa say policy contradictions could undermine health goals.
“The government cannot promote sodium reduction while fortifying sodium-based foods,” he says.
The World Health Organization defines fortification as adding essential nutrients to improve public health but stresses careful policy alignment.
Experts warn that ultra-processed foods lack key nutrients and may create a “health halo effect,” encouraging overconsumption.
Jerome Mafeni says Nigeria faces a convergence of rising sodium intake and diet-related diseases.
“We must not solve one problem by creating another,” he adds.
Josephine Alabi warns that such policies disproportionately affect low-income households.
“It could trigger long-term chronic illness,” she says.
Health advocates call for stronger emphasis on whole foods, labelling systems and sodium reduction strategies.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
