Unbranded cooking oils sold in markets and by roadside vendors across Nigeria are increasingly posing serious health risks to millions of households, experts warn.
Widely consumed because of their low cost and availability, these loose oils often contain harmful contaminants and fail to deliver essential nutrients, contributing to a growing public health crisis.
According to the National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey of 2021, over 90 percent of Nigerian households use vegetable oil, yet only about 31 percent of oils sold in the country are fortified with Vitamin A, and just 1.3 percent meet required nutritional standards.
Unbranded oils frequently sold in repurposed plastic bottles or open drums lack proper fortification and traceability, making it difficult for regulators to ensure their safety.
Medical experts have linked these oils to rising cases of hypertension, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases, which now account for over half of Nigeria’s heart-related deaths.
The Executive Director of the Nigeria Heart Foundation, Dr. Kingsley Akinroye, described the situation as a “nutritional time bomb,” explaining that these unregulated oils often contain dangerous trans fats and oxidized compounds that increase bad cholesterol and clog arteries.
Moreover, unbranded oils are prone to contamination by dust, industrial chemicals, and pesticides during handling and storage.
Some are packaged in containers previously used for chemicals or petrol, increasing the risk of poisoning.
Despite repeated warnings from regulatory bodies such as NAFDAC and the Nigerian Heart Foundation, the widespread consumption of unbranded oils persists, especially among low-income earners who view these cheaper products as more affordable despite their hidden health costs.
The low immediate awareness of adverse effects and the absence of overt symptoms drive continued patronage.
Health professionals urge Nigerians to avoid unbranded oils and buy only properly branded, fortified products carrying regulatory certification and health symbols.
They emphasize the urgent need for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations, consumer education on health risks, and better packaging standards to protect the population.
“The oil on our tables should nourish, not harm,” said a nutrition expert. “We must act now before this hidden killer claims more lives.”
This growing health challenge underscores the critical importance of food safety and regulation in safeguarding Nigerian families against preventable diseases linked to dietary choices.
