The Federal Government has launched a national guideline for sodium reduction to safeguard Nigerians against the silent threats of elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases linked to high salt consumption.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, stated during the Launching ceremony of the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.
Elaborating further, the Minister highlighted the dangerous trends in excessive consumption of sodium (salt) by the populace, noting, it exceeds the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 5 grams per day, with many communities consuming between 7 and 9 grams daily.
"This excessive overconsumption of sodium is directly tied to the alarming rise in hypertension, now affecting over 35% of adults in our population", Dr. Salako emphasized.
The undesirable situation, he pointed out, is being worsened in urban areas by saltier prepared meals. He therefore affirmed that the statistics and guidelines are a clarion call for action to arrest it's devastating long-term health consequences.
Government, he stated, has through the Guideline put in place actionable measures for behavioural change by adopting a multifaceted public education campaign, using traditional and social media to elevate awareness about the health risks of excess salt consumption and promote informed dietary practices.
Represented by Pharmacist Olubunmi Aribeana, Director, Food & Drugs Department, Dr. Salako asserted that the Ministry has directed NAFDAC to formulate a suitable regulation that ensures enforcement of sodium targets in processed and packaged foods.
Alongside the launch of Guideline by the Minister was the unveiling of the "National Guideline for Food Handlers' Medical Test".Dr. Salako noted that both guidelines form a cohesive framework that directly supports the implementation of the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan, 2023.
" Let your Health Guide Your Taste" as a campaign slogan strongly affirmed the Ministry's deliberate strategy to promote health awareness cum health conscious decisions regarding food and lifestyle choices, Dr. Salako added.
The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health, ably represented by Dr. Sulaimon Mohammed.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom mni, reaffirmed that the successful implementation of these guidelines will require the active collaboration of government agencies, health professionals, the food industry, civil society, and the general public.
Represented by Pharmacist Titus Tile, Director Traditional & Complementary Medicine Department of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary extends her heartfelt thanks to numerous Partners for their immeasurable support throughout the process of developing the guideline.
The Launching of both guidelines, she acknowledged, is a vital step forward in our collective effort to tackle two critical health concerns- excessive sodium consumption and the health and safety of our food supply system.
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Several goodwill messages were delivered by Ministries/Agencies and Partners, which includethe Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, NAFDAC, World Health Organization, Resolve to Save Lives (RSL), Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), CAPPA, and Master Bakers Association of Nigeria.
Alaba Balogun
Deputy Director
Information & Public Relations
27 March 2025
