ANALYSIS: Why experts want Nigeria to fortify seasoning cubes

Nutrition and health experts in Nigeria are advocating for the mandatory fortification of seasoning cubes, or bouillon cubes, to address micronutrient deficiencies. These cubes are widely consumed by households across the country, with over 99 percent of Nigerian homes using them, according to a 2024 study. The proposal focuses on adding vitamin B9 (folic acid) and vitamin B12 to these seasoning cubes, further enhancing their nutritional value.

Voluntary standards for bouillon fortification were introduced in 2024, allowing manufacturers to include various essential nutrients such as vitamin B9, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and iodine. However, experts argue that mandatory fortification would ensure population-wide coverage, as voluntary adoption may not be sufficient. The consumption of seasoning cubes surpasses that of other fortified foods like branded wheat flour and maize flour, making them an effective vehicle for reaching households that may not be adequately covered by existing fortification programs.

The push for mandatory fortification stems from the fact that Nigeria already has programs targeting foods like flour and refined oil, but these do not reach all households equally. In 2021, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare identified bouillon cubes as a potential vehicle for voluntary micronutrient fortification, calling for further research into their use.

Recent data indicates that more than 100 million bouillon cubes are sold daily in Nigeria, highlighting their significance in the nation's food landscape.

Experts emphasize that seasoning cubes could provide a way to reach people across income groups without requiring them to change their eating habits. They can be particularly beneficial for women before pregnancy, when adequate folate is crucial for preventing neural tube defects. Odunayo Babatunde, a maternal and child health nutritionist, estimates that nearly 95 percent of Nigerians use seasoning cubes, including poorer households with limited access to nutrient-rich foods.

Vitamin B9 deficiency is a particular concern in Nigeria, with over 80 percent of pregnant women and more than 90 percent of women of childbearing age being deficient. Adequate vitamin B9 intake is essential during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, affecting about 14.2 cases per 10,000 live births. Experts argue that mandatory food fortification could complement supplementation efforts and deliver nutrients through foods already consumed by the population.