The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has stressed the importance of Nigerian nursing mothers adopting exclusive breastfeeding for their infants in the first six months of life to enhance the well-being of their babies.

This call to action is prompted by concerns that aggressive promotion of breast milk substitutes is impeding the adoption of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers, resulting in a breastfeeding rate of 28.7 percent in Nigeria.

According to NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a global target of 50 percent exclusive breastfeeding by 2025, but data from Nigeria’s demographic and health survey shows that only 28.7 percent of nursing mothers adhere to exclusive breastfeeding.

During a meeting with the Association of Infant Food Manufacturers and Marketers in Nigeria (AIFMN), NAFDAC’s Professor Mojisola Adeyeye affirmed the agency’s dedication to upholding the guidelines of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.

Mrs. Eva Edwards, representing Prof. Adeyeye, emphasized the detrimental impact of inappropriate marketing practices on breastfeeding rates and highlighted the significance of exclusive breastfeeding for the health and well-being of infants.

She emphasized that breastmilk is the ideal nutrition for optimal growth and development, underscoring the importance of promoting and supporting breastfeeding.

Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and related WHA resolutions aim to support safe and adequate infant nutrition by safeguarding and promoting breastfeeding while ensuring the proper use of breast-milk substitutes with comprehensive information and responsible marketing practices. She also highlighted that healthcare professionals and facilities are often targeted by the infant food industry, which can create conflicts of interest and compromise their independence and credibility.

Underlining the agency’s commitment to upholding breastfeeding practices, she emphasized the importance of protecting and promoting breastfeeding in the face of challenges posed by the marketing of breast milk substitutes. Prof. Adeyeye reiterated the legitimate role of breastmilk substitutes when necessary, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and appropriate marketing strategies.

“Our concern is strictly inappropriate marketing practices. In the spirit of creating a conducive environment where the health and well-being of mothers and infants are prioritised, I wish us a fruitful and interactive session,” she stated.