Keynote Speech by Prof. Adeyeye C M,
Director General NAFDAC
Launch of the Implementation of Strategy and
Roadmap for Trans-fatty Acids (TFAs) Regulation
28th September, 2025.
Protocol
- The Coordinating Minister of Health, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW), ably represented by Director/Head, Food Safety and Quality Programme, Mr. John Atanda
- World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, ably represented by Dr. Pindar Wakawa
- Executive Director, Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), Mrs. Nanlop Ogbureke
- Director, Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), Dr. Jerome Mafeni
- In-Country Coordinator, Food and Nutrition Programs, Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), Ms. Joy O. Amafah
- Managing Director, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi
- Captains of industry
- Other partners and stakeholders
- Gentlemen of the Press
- Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
It is a great honour to welcome you all to the launch of the Strategy and Roadmap for Trans-Fatty Acid (TFA) Regulation in Nigeria. Today is not just about unveiling a document; it is about reaffirming 2 our national commitment to protecting the health of Nigerians from a dangerous, yet preventable, dietary risk. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Among the dietary risks, the consumption of trans-fatty acids (TFAs) stands out. TFAs increase risk of cardiovascular diseases by increasing the ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol. Scientific evidence by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its 2018 REPLACE action package shows that high intake of trans fatty acids increases the risk of heart disease deaths by 28%. In 2022, NAFDAC took a landmark regulatory decision by establishing legal limits for industrially produced trans fats in the Fats, Oils and Foods Containing Fats and Oils Regulations. Nigeria’s policy frameworks already reflect this priority. The National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan (2023) commits to eliminating trans fatty acids from processed, packaged, and ready-to-consume foods, fats, and oils marketed in Nigeria. The policy sets key performance indicators (KPIs) including:
- Implementation of the 2% trans fatty acids limit in fats, oils, and food products containing fats and oils.
- Strategic and implementation plan developed on long-term ban of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in foods; and 3
- Reduction in the amount of trans fatty acids in processed foods, fats and oils.
Similarly, the National Multisectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (2019–2025) provides a framework for reducing morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within the context of the broader Nigerian health system. As you are aware, trans fatty acids exist in two forms: naturally occurring trans fatty acids found in meat and dairy products from ruminant animals and industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFAs) created through the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. The latter type, the industrially produced trans fatty acids found in partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) became popular in the 20th century because of their low cost, long shelf life, and functional properties in food manufacturing. On average, PHOs contain 25 – 45% trans-fat. While small amounts of trans fatty acids occur naturally, both natural and industrial sources are equally harmful. The harmful effects of industrially produced trans fatty acids are clear. They raise LDL cholesterol, lower HDL cholesterol, and promote systemic inflammation thereby increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and premature death. Globally, over 4 278,000 deaths can be attributed to consumption of industrially produced trans fats. Replacing trans fats with healthier alternatives is feasible, cost-effective, and lifesaving. WHO recommends that intake of trans fatty acids be limited to less than 1% of total daily energy intake which is less than 2.2 grams per day for a 2000-calorie diet. To help countries achieve this, WHO in 2018 launched the REPLACE package, a roadmap with 6 areas of action and guides nations to:
- REview dietary sources of industrially produced trans-fat and the landscape for required policy change.
- Promote the replacement of industrially produced trans-fat with healthier fats and oils.
- Legislate or enact regulatory actions to eliminate industrially produced trans-fat.
- Assess and monitor trans-fat content in the food supply and changes in trans-fat consumption in the population.
- Create awareness of the negative health impact of trans fat among policymakers, producers, suppliers, and the public.
- Enforce compliance with policies and regulations.
Furthermore, WHO identified two best-practice options (best buys) for trans fatty acid elimination:
- A mandatory national limit of 2 grams of industrially produced trans-fat per 100 grams of total fat in all foods; and
- A mandatory national ban on the production or use of partially hydrogenated oils (a major source of trans fat) as an ingredient in all foods.
In line with these best practice alternatives, NAFDAC in 2022 revised the Fats, Oils and Foods Containing Fats and Oils Regulations and introduced regulatory limits for industrially produced trans fat content to not more than 2 grams per 100 grams of total fat or oil. This regulatory step provides the foundation for the Strategy and Roadmap we launch today. Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to state that in 2023, Nigeria was recognized by WHO as one of seven countries worldwide that had put in place best-practice TFA elimination policies, alongside Egypt, Mexico, North Macedonia, the Philippines, Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine. This was the first stage of policy adoption. The next stage in our journey is WHO validation of our trans-fat elimination programme and this requires full implementation, enforcement, and sustainability. Our Strategy and Roadmap is designed to ensure that Nigeria advances to this level and receives the WHO validation for implementing best-practice policies for eliminating industrially produced trans fatty acids (TFA) from our national food supply.
The Strategy and Roadmap for TFA Regulation we launch today outlines a phased approach to implementation focusing on cross-sector collaboration, capacity building, reformulation, public awareness and education, compliance monitoring, enforcement, and evaluation.
Already, progress is underway. With support from Resolve to Save Lives, and from Agency’s budget, NAFDAC has strengthened laboratory capacity for analysis of TFAs in foods. In 2023, 35 laboratories were identified nationwide for initial virtual assessments, and 11 of these met the minimum requirements for TFA analysis. In 2024, WHO facilitators trained laboratory analysts on the WHO testing protocols for TFA analysis in a national laboratory training programme using a blended format of virtual training (in August and September 2024) and onsite training in Lagos in November 2024. Today, NAFDAC’s Central Laboratory in Oshodi, Lagos is fully set up for TFA analysis having demonstrated satisfactory capacity, with equipment and reagents in place.
Distinguished guests, eliminating industrially produced trans fats is possible, achievable, necessary, and urgent. It is economically and technically feasible and saves precious lives. But what will success look like? It will require collaboration across all stakeholders:
- The regulator must implement and enforce the set regulatory limits for TFA.
- NAFDAC gazetted the Fats and Oils and Food Containing Fats and Oils Regulations in 2022.
- Collaboration with other MDAs and Partners to develop the Strategy and Roadmap
- Industry must be encouraged to reformulate without delay.
- Agency granted a request from the AFBTE for a period of moratorium of 18 months to exhaust current labels which do not carry mandatory nutrition labelling (this includes declaration of trans fats). The period of moratorium will expire on 31st January 2026.
- Civil society and media should engage and sustain public awareness.
- Ongoing engagement with NAFDAC and interested parties
- Development partners should continue to provide technical and financial support, and
- Consumers must be empowered to make informed choices by avoiding PHOs and embracing healthier foods.
- Stakeholders’ awareness campaigns through NAFDAC public relations and collaborators support.
On behalf of NAFDAC, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW), Standards 8 Organization of Nigeria (SON), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), other members of the Task Team that worked tirelessly on the Strategy and Roadmap: Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), World Health Organization (WHO), Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA). Your contributions are invaluable. As we launch this Strategy and Roadmap for Trans Fatty Acid Regulation, NAFDAC reaffirms her commitment to:
- Implementing and enforcing TFA regulations.
- Supporting industry reformulation and knowledge transfer.
- Sustaining and expanding laboratory capacity; and
- Driving public awareness and education.
With this strategy and roadmap, we are determined to advance to the next stage of WHO Validation, demonstrating to the world that Nigeria not only passed the right laws, but is fully implementing and enforcing them to protect public health. Together, let us ensure a future where our food supply is safe, nutritious, and free from the dangers of trans-fatty acids.
Thank you!!!
