This year marks four years since Nigeria took a decisive stand against industrially produced trans fats (iTFA), a toxic ingredient found in everyday foods like margarine, deep-fried snacks and baked goods. These fats have no health benefits and are proven to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Globally, trans fats are estimated to contribute to more than 500,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease every year.
So how did Nigeria become only the second country in Africa to adopt a best practice policy to eliminate iTFAs from its food supply?
During the first session of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI)’s African Learning Series, GHAI brought together the organizations that helped secure this historic win: the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA). Together, they shared what it took to protect the health of Nigerians and move the policy across the finish line.
The exchange was designed as more than a celebration. As the first country in West Africa to achieve an iTFA policy win, Nigeria’s experience offers a practical roadmap for other countries in the region that are still working toward similar reforms. Many African countries are only beginning to embrace iTFA interventions, and several face comparable food environments, industry tactics and political dynamics. Nigeria’s journey proves that progress is possible even amid these shared challenges.
Drawing on the experiences of NHED and CAPPA team members who led the campaign, the six lessons below highlight what made iTFA elimination possible in Nigeria.
1. Evidence was the foundation for policy change
A strong evidence base guided every phase of Nigeria’s progress. Global research shows that iTFAs have no safe level of consumption and can be effectively eliminated through regulation. In 2022, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) established a legally binding limit of no more than two grams of iTFA per 100 grams of total fat in all fats, oils and foods containing fats and oils. This standard reflects international best practices and aligns with the World Health Organization’s REPLACE technical package, translating global evidence into enforceable national policy.
2. A strong and diverse coalition created a unified national voice
One of the campaign’s greatest strengths was its broad and diverse coalition. Civil society organizations, researchers, legal experts, journalists, youth groups, women’s associations and consumer protection advocates collaborated with a shared purpose: to eliminate iTFA from the food supply. Led by NHED and CAPPA, the coalition engaged government agencies and regulatory bodies, aligned on messaging and maintained visibility through workshops, technical roundtables, public education events and community engagements.
3. Human-centered storytelling and media-driven advocacy amplified national impact
Advocacy efforts elevated human stories and community voices, turning trans fat from an abstract health risk into a lived reality. Families affected by heart disease, the financial burden of noncommunicable diseases and the unpaid care responsibilities borne largely by women shaped a people-first narrative. Women and youth were strategically engaged to highlight the gender and intergenerational impacts. This approach was amplified through strong media engagement and youth-driven digital advocacy. Partnerships with journalists strengthened investigative and policy reporting, while trusted expert voices increased visibility.
4. Government champions strengthened the pathway to regulation
Committed government policy champions helped translate evidence into action. Senior officials and technocrats across key ministries and agencies provided essential administrative and implementation guidance, ensuring the regulation was scientifically sound and legally workable. At the centre of this effort was Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, the Minister of State for Health at the time the regulation was passed, whose medical background and understanding of the public health risks of iTFAs helped foster strong government–civil society collaboration. Alongside him, the Executive Vice Chair of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) elevated trans fat elimination as a consumer protection priority, reinforcing the case for decisive regulatory action.
5. Industry interference was countered with evidence and strategic framing
Opposition from the food and beverage industry emerged at different points of the campaign. Common tactics included claims that Nigerian foods did not contain trans fats, concerns about economic losses and arguments that no local evidence existed. The coalition responded with clear evidence, regional and global examples and consistent framing that positioned the policy as a measure to protect public health and consumers rather than as an economic threat to businesses.
NAFDAC, the FCCPC, the Federal Ministries of Health and Justice, civil society partners and technical experts worked collaboratively to share information and align on messaging. This coordination ensured that the policy process remained coherent and that regulatory decisions were rooted in public health principles, boosting legitimacy and policy adoption.
Building on Momentum: The Next Chapter in Nigeria’s Nutrition Policy
While implementation of the iTFA elimination policy is ongoing, progress continues. The relationships, strategies and momentum built during the campaign have carried forward into a broader push to improve Nigeria’s food environment.
The same civil society partners who worked alongside government to advance the iTFA elimination policy are now advocating for sodium reduction measures and front-of-pack labeling so that Nigerians have clearer information to make healthier choices. The partnerships forged during the iTFA campaign continue to evolve, grounded in strong political will, rigorous scientific evidence and sustained engagement with government stakeholders.
Just as importantly, the core advocacy strategies that drove the iTFA win remain in place: vigilant monitoring and countering of industry interference, strategic media engagement and consistent coalition coordination. This continuity underscores a critical lesson for other countries. Policy change is not a single victory, but a sustained effort that builds over time.
Nigeria’s experience shows that meaningful food policy reform is achievable, even within complex and challenging food systems. For other African countries pursuing healthy food policies, the lesson is clear: invest in strong coalitions, ground advocacy in local evidence, cultivate government champions and stay the course. The foundations built for one policy win can become the engine for many more.
