Environmental activist and food sovereignty advocate Nnimmo Bassey has raised concerns over the growing influence of junk food culture and global food politics on Nigeria’s food systems.
Bassey warned that the increasing consumption of highly processed foods poses serious risks to public health, cultural identity, and national food security.
He made these remarks on Thursday while speaking at the Sustain-Ability Academy lecture on Food, Power and the Politics of Hunger, organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation in collaboration with the University of Port Harcourt.
According to him, food plays a central role in African societies beyond basic nourishment, serving as a key element of identity, relationships, and cultural heritage.
He noted that traditional diets reflect the diversity of Nigeria’s ethnic groups and have historically strengthened communal bonds.
Bassey traced the transformation of Nigeria’s food systems, attributing changes to the combined effects of colonialism, commerce, and conflict. He identified the Nigerian Civil War as a major turning point, noting that food was used as a tool during the conflict, resulting in widespread malnutrition and long-lasting dietary shifts, especially in the eastern region.
The environmentalist criticised the rapid expansion of fast food culture, describing it as driven by modern society’s preference for convenience and instant gratification. He argued that fast food outlets often rely on sensory distractions, such as bright lighting, loud music, and visual stimulation, to divert attention from the nutritional quality of their products.
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He warned that such foods may contain harmful substances, including artificial additives and potentially toxic elements, which could have long-term health implications.
Bassey also expressed concern over the increasing introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into Nigeria’s food system, cautioning that they may pose environmental and health risks if not properly regulated.
He further criticised political leaders for promoting unhealthy consumption habits, noting that public displays of junk food consumption by influential figures could normalise such behaviour.
Describing the trend as “food colonialism,” Bassey argued that global economic forces and corporate interests are shaping local food choices in ways that undermine indigenous agriculture and benefit multinational companies.
He called for a deliberate effort to “decolonise” Africa’s food systems by promoting local food production, preserving traditional seed-sharing practices, and resisting policies that weaken local farming systems.
Bassey also challenged common assumptions about hunger, arguing that food insecurity is not solely due to low production levels.
“In countries like Nigeria, nearly half of all food produced goes to waste. The issue goes beyond production—it is about distribution, policy, and power,” he said.
Participants at the event emphasised the need for urgent reforms to build a more resilient and sustainable food system, with greater support for smallholder farmers and stronger policies to address the root causes of hunger.
