As cancer continues to be a major public health challenge in Nigeria with the country recording over 120,000 new cancer cases annually, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on both the federal and state governments in Nigeria to implement robust, comprehensive policies to reduce the exposure of Nigerians to high-risk cancer factors.
This was contained in a statement issued by the group in commemoration of 2025 World Cancer Day,
CAPPA raised concerns about the growing prevalence of ultra-processed foods, tobacco, excessive sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and salt consumption in the country, all of which significantly contribute to Nigeria’s rising cancer burden and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
With the National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan ( 2018-2022 ) estimates that Nigerians spend a staggering N12 billion annually on cancer treatment, CAPPA argued that the alarming figures show the urgent need for a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to address the root causes of cancer and other NCDs in the country.
Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, emphasized the importance of creating healthier food environments, supported by effective regulations that guide consumers toward making better dietary choices.
He stated, “This includes fiscal policies that limit the consumption of unhealthy diets, promote the adoption of healthier foods through targeted subsidies, and encourage strategic investments in agriculture for nutrient-rich crops.”
Oluwafemi also stressed the importance of discouraging the use of tobacco and novel tobacco products. He highlighted that fiscal policies and public health initiatives should work together to reduce the demand for these harmful products. CAPPA’s comprehensive approach, he suggested, could significantly reduce cancer risk factors and improve the overall health of the population.
Emphasizing the importance of developing preventive measures that focus on reducing exposure to avoidable risk factors, CAPPA urged the Nigerian government to adopt healthy food policies, such as the establishment of national guidelines to limit salt consumption, a measure that could help tackle a range of health issues, including stomach cancer.
In addition, CAPPA recommended a significant increase in the tax rate for SSBs, from the current N10 per litre to N130 per litre, which could reduce consumption and raise much-needed revenue for health interventions.
A key component of CAPPA’s advocacy is a call for stricter regulation of tobacco products. With novel tobacco products increasingly targeting younger demographics, CAPPA urged the government to allocate more resources to the tobacco control fund which would enable more effective enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing tobacco use, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
CAPPA’s concerns extend beyond tobacco use. The organization also pointed out that excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is directly linked to an increased risk of obesity-related cancers, such as kidney and colon cancers. High salt intake, meanwhile, has been shown to contribute to an elevated risk of stomach cancer. These dietary habits, CAPPA argued, must be addressed through stronger government policies.
Further to these proposals, CAPPA advocates for clear, front-of-package labeling of food products to help consumers make informed decisions about the nutritional content of what they buy. Public awareness campaigns are also seen as essential for educating Nigerians on the connection between diet and cancer, ultimately fostering healthier eating habits across the country.