Bukola Afeni
The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), has emphasized the urgent need to ensure that all edible oils consumed across the country are both fortified with essential micronutrients and properly branded for traceability.
The Senior Technical Advisor to Civil Society Scaling Up Nigeria in Nigeria(CS-SUNN), Dr David Olayemi, disclosed the Third Party Advocacy campaign in Abuja.
The Third-Party Advocacy Campaign (TPAC) project seeks to address key challenges in Nigeria’s food fortification landscape, specifically focusing on phasing out unbranded bulk oils and improving workforce nutrition.
The program was organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with Civil Society –Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) with Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
Dr. Olayemi highlighted two central themes of the campaign: fortification and branding.
He noted that while much attention has been given to imported oils which are often branded and regulated, the real concern lies with locally produced oils, particularly those manufactured at home or in informal settings.
“We must ensure that all oils, regardless of origin, carry the essential vitamins and minerals our people need. Branding is the only way we can trace and regulate the products,” Dr. Olayemi stated.
He added that the Nigerian government mandates that certain micronutrients, such as Vitamin A and iodine, be added to edible oils to combat preventable diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies.
” However, a 2021 national survey revealed that only 23% of households consume branded oils, which are more likely to be fortified.
“That means two out of every three Nigerian households may be consuming unbranded, and by extension, unfortified oils,” he said.
He called on government agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, and the Standards Project Coordinating Committee (SPCC) to step up enforcement at the nation’s borders and markets, ensuring that no unbranded or unfortified oil slips through the regulatory cracks.
Dr. Olayemi also stressed the importance of media, social media, and community engagement to educate households on the benefits of fortified oils.
However, he acknowledged the limitations of civil society and emphasized the government’s role in enacting and enforcing policies that promote food fortification.
He concluded by reiterating the campaign’s goal: to ensure that commonly consumed food items, like cooking oil, serve as effective vehicles for delivering essential nutrients to Nigerian families.
The Director of Nutrition at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ladi Bako-Aiyegbusi, emphasized that despite more than two decades of fortification initiatives, malnutrition in Nigeria remains a major public health challenge.
“Oil consumption data is particularly concerning,” she noted. “67% of Nigerians consume unbranded oil, and only 31% of oils are fortified. This must change.”
She also addressed the state of salt fortification, pointing out that although over 90% of salt is reportedly iodized, cases of goitre continue to be reported, indicating possible gaps in enforcement or quality.
“A recent pilot program fortifying rice in Kebbi State was highlighted as a promising example of expanding fortification to other staple foods”.
The Director stressed the need for greater collaboration across federal, state, and civil society levels, especially integrating grassroots feedback into national policy planning.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Abia State, Lady Magdalene Kalu Olu, also called for urgent action and increased awareness on the need to fortify edible oils consumed by the public.
While commending civil society for organizing the workshop, she described the current contributions towards edible oil fortification as “a drop in the ocean,” stressing the need for broader involvement and grassroots awareness.
Highlighting that many local producers operate from their homes, she emphasized the need for organizing them into cooperative societies.
“When these small-scale producers are part of organized cooperatives, it becomes easier for government and health agencies to reach them, educate them, and enforce standards,” she explained.
Magdalene pointed out that fortifying oil not only adds nutritional value but also ensures safer processing and packaging. “Non-fortified oils often come with health risks, including exposure to unsaturated fats and unhygienic production methods. The popular saying that ‘dirt doesn’t kill Africans’ should no longer be our reality. We must become more conscious of what we consume to live healthier lives.”
