Nnimmo Bassey, environmental activist and food sovereignty advocate 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.
“Food is not just for sustenance; it is central to our identity, our relationships, and our traditions,” he said.
He explained that traditional diets reflect the diversity of Nigeria’s ethnic groups and have historically fostered unity within communities.
Bassey traced the evolution of food systems in Nigeria, highlighting how colonialism, commerce, and conflict have reshaped local diets.
He referenced the Nigerian Civil War as a turning point when food was weaponized, leading to widespread malnutrition and long-term dietary changes, particularly in the Eastern region.
The activist criticized the rapid rise of fast food consumption, describing it as a product of modern society’s demand for instant gratification.
According to him, fast food outlets use sensory stimulation, bright lighting, loud music, and constant visual entertainment to distract consumers from questioning the nutritional value of what they eat.
“People leave with more than just a full stomach, they carry heavy metals, artificial colourings, and harmful substances in their bodies,” he said.
Bassey also expressed alarm over the increasing presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria’s food system.
He argued that such products, often introduced without sufficient scrutiny, could have long-term health and environmental consequences.
He further cautioned against the role of political leaders in normalizing unhealthy consumption patterns.
“When top politicians publicly consume junk food and sugary drinks, they send a dangerous message that such habits are acceptable or even desirable,” he said.
At the heart of his argument is what he described as “food colonialism” a system driven by global power dynamics, where economic pressures, debt, and cultural influence shape local food choices to benefit multinational corporations at the expense of local farmers.
Bassey called for a “decolonization” of food systems across Africa, urging governments and citizens to prioritize indigenous foods, protect seed-sharing traditions, and resist policies that undermine local agricultural practices.
He also challenged prevailing narratives around hunger, questioning whether food insecurity is truly a result of low productivity.
“In countries like Nigeria, nearly half of all food produced goes to waste. The issue is not just production, but distribution, policy, and power,” he explained.
The session concluded with a call for urgent reforms to ensure fairness, resilience, and sustainability in food systems, with a focus on supporting smallholder farmers and addressing the structural causes of hunger.
