Nigeria Surpasses WHO Food Safety Benchmark as FG Intensifies Fight Against Foodborne Diseases
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria has surpassed the World Health Organization (WHO) food safety target for low- and middle-income countries, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen food safety systems and protect public health.
The disclosure was made by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in a press statement signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, following activities marking the 2026 World Food Safety Day in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said Nigeria’s current 2025 State Party Annual Report (SPAR) score of Level 3 places the country ahead of the WHO benchmark and positions it among the leading nations in Sub-Saharan Africa with functional systems for detecting, reporting, and responding to foodborne disease outbreaks.
According to the minister, the achievement reflects the success of ongoing reforms and improved collaboration among key stakeholders through the National Food Safety Management Committee.
“Nigeria is now among the leading countries in the region with functional systems for detecting, reporting and responding to foodborne disease events,” Salako stated.
He explained that the implementation of the 2023 National Integrated Guidelines for Foodborne Disease Surveillance and Response has provided the country with a unified framework for surveillance, laboratory confirmation, outbreak investigation, food recall, traceback mechanisms, and risk communication.
Food Safety a National Development Priority
Dr. Salako described the theme of this year’s celebration, “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,” as a timely reminder that food safety extends beyond technical regulations and remains a critical national development issue.
“Food safety is not merely a technical issue; it is a national development priority that directly affects the health, productivity and well-being of all Nigerians,” he said.
The minister, however, warned that foodborne diseases continue to pose a major challenge globally and in Nigeria despite the progress recorded.
Nigeria Records 50 Million Foodborne Illnesses Annually
Citing recent statistics, Salako revealed that Nigeria records nearly 50 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, leading to more than 53,000 deaths each year.
He noted that children under the age of five account for over 80 per cent of the country’s foodborne disease burden.
According to him, diarrhoeal diseases caused by foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Campylobacter, Shigella, and Rotavirus remain among the leading causes of hospitalisation, malnutrition and mortality among young children.
“These infections continue to be major causes of hospitalisation, malnutrition and mortality among our youngest citizens,” he said.
The minister also raised concerns over the growing threat of chemical contamination, particularly lead exposure linked to contaminated grains, spices and water sources.
FG Calls for Stronger Food Safety Measures
To address the challenge, Salako called for intensified surveillance of chemical contaminants and heavy metals, improved food safety practices in traditional and informal markets, stronger sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, enhanced laboratory capacity, and greater compliance with national food safety standards.
“The WHO estimates are a call to action. We must intensify surveillance for heavy metals and chemical contaminants. We must improve food safety practices in traditional and informal markets where most Nigerians purchase their food,” he stressed.
He also urged the media to continue amplifying food safety awareness campaigns and commended development partners, regulators, academia and other stakeholders for their contributions toward strengthening food safety systems in Nigeria.
Stakeholders Advocate Unified Action
In her welcome address, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Daju Kachollom, emphasized the need for an integrated approach to food safety and nutrition, noting that recent assessments have demonstrated a close link between foodborne diseases and unhealthy diets.
She called on stakeholders to develop practical and inclusive solutions capable of strengthening Nigeria’s food system and ensuring consumer confidence.
Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), World Health Organization (WHO), Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) and the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) also delivered goodwill messages.
They unanimously stressed the importance of food hygiene and safety across the entire value chain, describing safe food as fundamental to public health, economic productivity and national development.
WHO: Most Foodborne Diseases Are Preventable
Speaking on behalf of the WHO Country Representative, Dr. Pavel Ursu, Technical Officer for Nutrition and Food Safety, Dr. Pindar Wakawa, described safe food as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of public health.
“Safe food is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. Ensuring safe food everywhere is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and improving the well-being of all Nigerians,” he said.
Wakawa noted that recent global evidence shows that most foodborne diseases are preventable and called for stronger action to protect vulnerable populations, especially children, while tackling emerging threats such as chemical contamination.
The event concluded with renewed commitments from government agencies, development partners and industry stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s food safety architecture and ensure safer food for all citizens.
