The Federal Government has expressed concern over the growing burden of foodborne diseases in Nigeria, revealing that unsafe food is responsible for more than 53,000 deaths and nearly 50 million illnesses every year.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja during a ministerial briefing to commemorate the 2026 World Food Safety Day. He described food safety as a critical public health and national development issue, noting that the impact extends beyond illness and death to the loss of human capital, particularly among children.
According to Salako, Nigeria loses an estimated 4.26 million years of healthy life annually due to foodborne diseases through illness, disability and premature death. He added that children under five account for more than 80 per cent of the country’s foodborne disease burden, making them the most vulnerable group.
The minister said diarrhoeal diseases remain the leading foodborne illness in Nigeria, with over 40 million cases linked to pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Shigella and rotavirus. He also warned of growing exposure to chemical contaminants, including lead, through contaminated food and water sources.
Despite the challenges, Salako said Nigeria has made progress in strengthening its food safety system. He noted that recent evaluations by the World Health Organisation showed improvements in the country’s ability to detect, report and respond to foodborne disease outbreaks.
He, however, stressed the need for stronger surveillance of chemical contaminants, improved food safety practices in traditional markets, better sanitation infrastructure and stricter compliance with food safety standards. Salako also linked food safety to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and stroke.
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Eva Edwards, said food safety remains essential for achieving national health and nutrition goals. Meanwhile, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa called for stronger regulations on unhealthy foods and beverages, arguing that safe food should not only be free from contamination but should also protect consumers from preventable diseases and support long-term wellbeing.
