West African food trade experts urge nutrition-focused policies

Experts are calling for West African food trade and market policies to be aligned with nutritional goals to improve the availability and affordability of healthy diets. During a regional webinar, specialists argued that agricultural incentives, import policies, tariffs, and industrialization plans should be assessed through a “nutrition lens.”

Key recommendations include implementing evidence-based regulations such as clear nutrition labeling, responsible marketing, and strict product standards. Joyce Akpata of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition suggested that governments can use nutrition-sensitive public procurement in schools and hospitals to create predictable demand for nutritious foods while supporting local small and medium enterprises.

In Nigeria, discussions regarding food policy are increasingly focusing on science-based ingredient evaluation to address diet-related health challenges. This includes the scrutiny of low/no calorie sweeteners. Regulatory bodies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare are working to ensure consumer protection through rigorous scientific assessments, following international benchmarks established by organizations such as the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).