The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a National Strategy and Roadmap for Trans-Fatty Acid Regulation to strengthen food safety and safeguard public health across Nigeria.
In a statement released on Sunday, NAFDAC described the initiative as a major milestone in the country’s efforts to combat unhealthy dietary risks and reduce diseases linked to poor nutrition.
The agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the roadmap underscores NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from harmful dietary components associated with heart disease, stroke, and premature death through robust regulations and effective enforcement.
Adeyeye highlighted that Nigeria has set a strict limit of no more than two grams of industrially produced trans fats per 100 grams of food, a move that aligns with global best practices. She noted that in 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognised Nigeria as one of only seven countries worldwide implementing best-practice policies for trans-fat elimination.
According to her, the newly launched roadmap provides a phased framework focusing on food industry reformulation, laboratory strengthening, compliance monitoring, public education, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure long-term success.
She added that with technical support from the WHO and Resolve to Save Lives, NAFDAC has expanded its laboratory capacity to detect and analyse trans fats — a key step toward nationwide enforcement.
Adeyeye called for cooperation among government agencies, the food industry, civil society groups, and consumers, stressing that the elimination of industrial trans fats in Nigeria is both urgent and achievable.
“This roadmap reflects Nigeria’s firm commitment to protecting public health, promoting healthier diets, and ensuring a future where citizens are free from the dangers of trans-fatty acids,” she said.
