The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has raised concerns over what it describes as the aggressive promotion of sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods during festive periods in Nigeria, warning that such marketing campaigns are worsening the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the organisation’s latest report, titled ‘Unhealthy Food Hijack of Festive Periods in Nigeria’, revealed how food and beverage companies strategically exploit cultural and religious celebrations to drive the consumption of unhealthy products.
Oluwafemi explained that the report examined marketing activities during the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year festivities, noting that such promotional tactics have become increasingly sophisticated over the years.