The Federal Government has unveiled national guidelines that will ban the procurement and sale of sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meats, deep-fried snacks, and other unhealthy foods in schools, hospitals, correctional centres, NYSC camps, and other public institutions, as part of efforts to curb Nigeria’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases.

The landmark policy, developed by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), introduces mandatory nutrition standards for all food purchased with public funds.

Under the new National Guidelines for Public Procurement of Food and Related Services, government institutions will no longer be permitted to procure or serve sugary drinks, sausages, canned meats, instant noodles, ultra-processed snacks, doughnuts, cakes, packaged biscuits and foods containing industrial trans fats or excessive sodium and sugar.

Instead, ministries, departments and agencies will be required to prioritise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, legumes, fortified foods and locally sourced produce while ensuring meals meet strict nutritional and food safety standards.

Speaking on the significance of the policy, Executive Director of the Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF), Dr. Kingsley Akinroye, described the guidelines as a transformative step that could significantly improve the nation’s health outcomes.

“The emergence of these Guidelines is a remarkable milestone that has been long awaited. It represents a significant step towards improving the food environment within Nigeria’s public institutions and demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring that the procurement, preparation, service and sale of food align with scientific evidence-based nutrition standards that promote health and prevent disease,” Akinroye said.

He noted that unhealthy diets remain one of the leading drivers of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes and obesity, stressing that Nigeria had, until now, lacked a comprehensive national framework for healthy public food procurement.

“The increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, is closely linked to unhealthy dietary practices. The emergence of these Guidelines therefore represents a timely and transformative response to this gap,” he stated.

According to the guidelines, schools, hospitals, orphanages, correctional centres, internally displaced persons’ camps, military formations, government offices and all other public institutions that procure food with government funds must comply with the new nutrition standards.

Among the key provisions are a ban on sugar-sweetened beverages and beverages containing non-sugar sweeteners; prohibition of processed meats such as sausages and canned meat; restriction of deep-fried snacks including doughnuts and samosas; mandatory provision of at least two servings each of fruits and vegetables daily; replacement of refined grains with whole grains; reduced salt and sugar levels in foods; and increased sourcing of fresh foods from local farmers.

The policy also requires government institutions to use healthier vegetable oils instead of partially hydrogenated oils and animal fats while ensuring food preparation methods minimise unhealthy fats.

In addition, at least 30 per cent of institutional food procurement budgets will be directed towards purchasing foods from local farmers and community suppliers to strengthen local agriculture and improve food security.

The guidelines further mandate routine monitoring of sodium, sugar and saturated fat levels in foods served in public institutions, while compliance audits, inspections and sanctions will be introduced for institutions and suppliers that fail to meet the required standards.

Akinroye said the quality of meals served in public institutions has direct implications for the health of millions of Nigerians.

“The quality of food served in schools, hospitals, correctional centres and other public institutions has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of millions of Nigerians. Healthy food environments are essential to reducing the burden of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and other diet-related conditions while fostering a healthier and more productive population,” he said.

Akinroye added: “A healthy heart is the beginning of a healthy life.”

He pledged the Foundation’s continued support for implementing the guidelines through advocacy, technical collaboration, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships aimed at making healthier food choices the norm across public institutions.

He said the guidelines place Nigeria among countries using government purchasing power to promote healthier diets, reduce healthcare costs and prevent diet-related diseases before they occur.

The Bureau of Public Procurement will oversee implementation in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, while institutions found to be in violation of the guidelines could face sanctions, financial penalties, or exclusion from future procurement opportunities. (Vanguard News)

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