CAPPA Urges FG, States to Prioritize Healthy Food Policies to Combat Cancer

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Nigerian federal and state governments to adopt comprehensive healthy food policies to reduce exposure to ultra-processed foods, tobacco, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and excessive salt consumption.

In a release signed by Robert Egbe, Media & Communications Officer of CAPPA, the organization made this call as the world observes World Cancer Day 2025, themed “United by Unique.” This theme, which will run until 2027, emphasizes placing people at the center of care and highlighting their unique experiences with cancer.

CAPPA stressed that cancer remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, with over 120,000 new cases recorded annually, according to the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment. The National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan (2018-2022) also estimates that Nigerians spend N12 billion annually on cancer treatment. These alarming figures, CAPPA stressed, highlight the urgent need for preventive measures and robust policy frameworks to address cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Key Recommendations

CAPPA urged the government to enforce policies such as:

Implementing national guidelines to reduce salt consumption.

Increasing the SSB tax from N10 to N130 to substantially raise the prices of sugary drinks, discouraging excessive consumption and generating funds for health interventions.

The organization also emphasized the need to regulate novel tobacco products, which are increasingly targeted at young people, and to strengthen the allocation of funds to the tobacco control fund for enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns.

“Tobacco use remains the leading cause of cancer and related deaths worldwide,” CAPPA stated. “Excessive consumption of sugary beverages heightens the risk of obesity-related cancers such as kidney and colon cancers, while high salt intake is linked to stomach cancer and other complications.”

Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director, highlighted the need for effective regulations to foster a healthier food environment, reduce cancer risks, and combat NCDs. He called for fiscal policies to limit unhealthy diets, encourage investment in nutrient-rich crops, and discourage tobacco use.

Additional Measures

CAPPA further stressed the importance of:

Clear front-of-package labeling to inform consumers about the nutritional content of food products.

Public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on the link between diet and cancer, fostering healthier eating habits.

By integrating these strategies, CAPPA believes Nigeria can create a comprehensive framework to lower cancer risks and promote a culture of health and wellness.

This year’s World Cancer Day, themed “United by Unique”, celebrates the unique stories of individuals affected by cancer worldwide.