Civil society and partners chart innovative strategies to protect Nigerians from hidden health risks through fortified, branded oils
In markets across Nigeria, jerricans of golden-yellow oil glisten under the sun, sold cheaply and in abundance. But beneath their appeal lies a dangerous gap, many of these oils are unbranded, unfortified, and stripped of essential nutrients. At a regional workshop in Lagos, the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), in collaboration with eHealth Africa and supported by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), set the stage for a new narrative: one that replaces risk with resilience through fortified edible oils.
The event was part of the Third-Party Advocacy Campaign (TPAC), designed to accelerate policy reforms and build stakeholder commitment toward large-scale food fortification. Unlike previous engagements that highlighted risks, this workshop leaned heavily into solutions, collaboration, and accountability.
“We have identified our stakeholders from the start, the media, regulatory bodies, oil producers, civil society, and consumers,” explained Kunle Ishola, CS-SUNN’s Senior Programme Officer and TPAC Project Lead. “Our goal is not just to raise an alarm, but to equip everyone with the tools to demand and deliver fortified oils. That is how sustainable change happens.”
Turning awareness into action
One of the key strategies presented was social and behavioural change. Organisers emphasised that while many Nigerians are aware of the dangers of unbranded oil, habits persist because consumers prioritise price over safety.
Dominic Gulak, Project Manager at eHealth Africa, highlighted how TPAC seeks to shift this: “We profile relevant stakeholders and use awareness campaigns to build trust and confidence in fortified oils. Behavioural change doesn’t happen overnight, but once consumers start demanding fortified products, producers will have no choice but to comply.”
Producers at the heart of the solution
Producers also shared how they are adapting to meet fortification demands.
Funmilayo Ishola of Cruse Oil explained: “Companies we partner with now add vitamin A to their soya and palm oils. NAFDAC has approved smaller retail packs, from 75cl to 25 litres, to ensure consumers buy oils that are properly fortified and traceable. That’s progress.”
Owoeye Alexandrina, MD of Laderin Nig. Ltd, whose company produces cold-pressed coconut oil, echoed the importance of aligning with global standards: “Even though coconut oil is naturally healthy, we fortify it with natural vitamin E to meet Nigerian requirements. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about protecting consumers.”
Government commitment to safer oils
Government representatives also stressed that progress will depend on stronger enforcement and consistent regulation.
“Branding equals traceability. If a product is not branded, we don’t know where it comes from,” said Balogun Idris Olanrewaju, Deputy Director representing the Lagos Ministry of Agriculture and Food System. “That is why NAFDAC and SON must be present and active in these conversations. With proper monitoring and enforcement, unsafe oils will have no place in our markets.”
GAIN’s big picture: nutrition as an investment
At the heart of the solution is large-scale food fortification, a strategy GAIN has championed globally.
Adetola Otunla, GAIN’s Program Officer,
framed fortification as a long-term investment:
“Every dollar spent on fortification returns $27 in improved health and productivity. Nigeria has already eliminated goitre through iodised salt. With fortified oils, we can tackle vitamin A deficiency and its associated health risks. It’s about healthier populations, stronger economies, and brighter futures.”
Practical steps forward
The workshop did not end in theory. Participants split into groups to design actionable strategies for enforcement, awareness, and producer compliance. Recommendations included:
- Community sensitisation campaigns led by civil society and the media.
- Consumer empowerment to recognise fortified oils by the “eye logo” on packaging.
- Stronger collaboration with regulators to ensure unbranded oils are phased out.
- Support for small-scale producers to help them overcome the costs of fortification without cutting corners.
“This campaign is not about punishment but partnership,” Ishola concluded. “We want oil producers to see themselves as part of the solution, government as enablers, and consumers as watchdogs. Together, we can build a future where every Nigerian has access to safe, fortified oils.”
The golden oils that line Nigerian markets can still shine, not just with profit, but with promise. With collaboration, commitment, and compliance, CS-SUNN and its partners envision a future where fortified oils safeguard health, fight malnutrition, and nourish generations to come.
