As part of efforts to tackle hunger and improve nutrition, the Federal Government has launched a major initiative to phase out unbranded and unfortified bulk edible oils across Nigeria.
The new project, known as the Third-Party Advocacy Campaign (TPAC), is being spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with CS-SUNN and E-Health Africa. The initiative is supported by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).
Why This Matters
The campaign is a response to Nigeria’s rising malnutrition crisis and growing health risks linked to the widespread use of unfortified oils. According to government data, about 67% of Nigerians consume unbranded edible oil, and only 31% of edible oils on the market are fortified.
Unfortified oils lack essential nutrients and are often not regulated, posing serious health concerns for millions of households.
Pushing for Food Fortification and Better Nutrition
The launch event served as a rallying point to drive national alignment on food fortification. It brought together a wide range of stakeholders — including government officials, civil society groups, development partners, media, state nutrition officers, and public health experts.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Ladi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director of Nutrition at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, described the campaign as a strategic push to improve workforce nutrition and public health.
The Bigger Goal
Ultimately, the TPAC project aims to support Nigeria’s food fortification goals by:
- Reducing the circulation of unregulated, low-nutrient cooking oils
- Promoting the consumption of fortified oils across homes and industries
- Strengthening partnerships to support national nutrition outcomes
