In a stark reminder of the pervasive health risks associated with food safety, Nigeria's Federal Government has unveiled alarming statistics that underscore the critical need for enhanced food safety measures. According to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, unsafe food is a major public health concern, causing over 53,000 deaths and nearly 50 million illnesses annually. This revelation is particularly concerning given that children under five bear the brunt of this burden, accounting for more than 80% of the country's foodborne disease cases. The true cost of this crisis extends beyond immediate health impacts, as it also results in the loss of millions of years of healthy life, particularly among the nation's youngest citizens.
What makes this situation especially troubling is the global context. The World Health Organisation's recent estimates reveal that unsafe food is responsible for about 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths worldwide each year, with Africa bearing the highest per-capita burden. This highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to food safety, one that addresses both immediate health risks and long-term health consequences.
One of the key challenges highlighted by Dr. Salako is the prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases, which remain the leading cause of foodborne illnesses in Nigeria. Over 40 million cases are linked to pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Shigella, and rotavirus, leading to hospitalisation, malnutrition, and mortality among children. Additionally, the increasing exposure to chemical contaminants, such as lead, poses a significant threat to public health, with contaminated grains, spices, and water sources contributing to the loss of healthy lives.
Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. Nigeria has made notable progress in building a stronger food safety system, as evidenced by the 2023 Joint External Evaluation and the 2025 State Party Annual Report, which surpassed the World Health Organisation target for low- and middle-income countries. However, the latest figures should serve as a wake-up call, prompting a renewed focus on strengthening surveillance for heavy metals and chemical contaminants, improving food safety practices in traditional and informal markets, and enhancing hygiene, water, and sanitation infrastructure.
The implications of these statistics extend beyond the realm of public health. Food safety is intricately linked to the country's growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and obesity. As such, it is not merely about preventing infections but also ensuring that the food we eat does not contribute to these chronic health conditions. In response, Nigeria has developed National Guidelines for Sodium Reduction and finalised draft sodium reduction regulations aimed at reducing salt levels in processed foods. The country is also implementing industrial trans-fat elimination regulations and strengthening efforts to improve the sugar-sweetened beverage tax and front-of-pack food labelling systems to encourage healthier food choices.
The call to action is clear. Food safety is everyone's business, and it saves lives, strengthens the economy, and protects our children. The numbers speak for themselves, and they show that food safety is not optional; it is a national health security priority. Strengthening food safety systems remains critical to reducing the country's burden of foodborne diseases, and it requires collaboration among government agencies, industry players, researchers, development partners, and consumers. By embracing evidence-based policies, effective regulation, responsible industry practices, and sustained public awareness, we can address the significant challenge before us and ensure a safer and healthier food supply for all Nigerians.
In conclusion, the statistics unveiled by the Federal Government are a stark reminder of the pervasive health risks associated with food safety. They underscore the critical need for enhanced food safety measures and highlight the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to address this pressing issue. By taking proactive steps to strengthen food safety systems, we can protect public health, reduce the burden of diet-related diseases, and ensure a safer and healthier future for Nigeria.
