The Federal Government has adopted Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) to help Nigerians make healthier food choices and reduce diet-related diseases.
This was announced during the inauguration of the National Technical Working Committee on FOPL on Wednesday in Abuja, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms Daju Kachollom, was represented by Dr Okara Dogara, Senior Technical Adviser.
Ms Kachollom described the move as a major step in implementing the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its 2023 Implementation Plan.
She said nearly 30% of deaths in Nigeria are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions. She added that the risk of premature death from NCDs for Nigerians aged 30–69 is 22%.
FOPL uses symbols, colours, and short messages on food packages to help consumers quickly identify products high in salt, sugar, or unhealthy fats. The system supports earlier efforts like the sodium reduction guidelines launched in March and the 2022 trans-fat ban by NAFDAC.
WHO hails FOPL
The World Health Organisation (WHO) praised the initiative. Dr Pindar Wakawa, Technical Officer for Nutrition at WHO Nigeria, said FOPL is one of the most effective ways to reduce diet-related illnesses.
According to the WHO, NCDs are responsible for 29% of all deaths in Nigeria. Cardiovascular disease accounts for 11%, and cancer for 4%.
Ms Joy Amafah-Isaac, In-Country Coordinator for Food Policy and Nutrition at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), pledged N500 million in technical and financial support over six years to support the policy.
The FOPL Technical Working Committee has been tasked with developing national guidelines, recommending suitable labelling systems, reviewing international models, designing education campaigns, and monitoring progress during the pilot phase