Glytabs October 2025 Newsletter
Nigeria Takes Bold Steps to Eliminate Trans-Fatty Foods and Protect Public Health
Nigeria has intensified its commitment to public health protection with the launch of a comprehensive Strategy and Roadmap for Trans-Fatty Acid (TFA) Regulation, spearheaded by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The initiative aims to eliminate industrially produced trans fats, harmful substances linked to heart disease, stroke, and premature death, from the nation’s food supply.
At the launch event, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, announced that food manufacturers must now comply with a regulatory limit of no more than two grams of industrial trans fats per 100 grams of total fat or oil. The measure, she explained, aligns Nigeria with global best practices and underscores the country’s growing leadership in the region in food safety regulation.
Recognizing this progress, the World Health Organization (WHO) named Nigeria among only seven countries worldwide that have adopted best-practice policies for trans-fat elimination. The roadmap details a phased implementation strategy focusing on industry reformulation, laboratory strengthening, compliance monitoring, consumer education, and intersectoral collaboration. NAFDAC, with support from Resolve to Save Lives, WHO, and other development partners, has upgraded its laboratory infrastructure to effectively analyze and monitor trans-fat content in foods. The agency also announced that full enforcement of the regulation will commence by early 2026, giving food manufacturers a window to transition to healthier alternatives.
The NAFDAC DG/CEO emphasized that this initiative reflects Nigeria’s determination to protect its citizens from diet-related diseases, stating: “Eliminating industrially produced trans fats is possible, achievable, and urgent. With this roadmap, Nigeria is determined to secure a food supply system free from the dangers of trans-fatty acids.”
Nigeria’s move mirrors a growing global shift toward safer food systems. For instance, India recently proposed a ban on the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact materials due to their potential health risks, demonstrating how forward-thinking regulation can protect populations from harmful chemical exposure.
Glytabs Consulting Limited commends NAFDAC’s proactive approach on this issue, in setting a new benchmark for food safety governance in Africa. Such policies demonstrate what it means for a country to truly prioritize the health and well-being of its people. However, we emphasize that effective implementation, through strong monitoring, industry compliance, and sustained public education, will be key to achieving lasting impact. As a multi-disciplinary consulting firm operating across Agribusiness, Food Systems, Nutrition, Policy, and Regulatory Compliance, we remain committed to supporting governments, industries, and organizations like NAFDAC in advancing public health goals. Through technical advisory, evidence-based research, and capacity-building interventions, we will continue to help create safer, more nutritious, and sustainable food environments for all Nigerians.
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