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By Idu Jude, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, has vowed to fight the menace of cardiovascular diseases and other related health issues in the country with proper control of sodium intake.
Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made the revelation on Wednesday in Abuja during the official launch of the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction.
The Minister, who was represented at the launch by Pharmacist Mrs Olubumi Aribena, Director of Food and Drug Services, stated that research has shown that the average salt intake in Nigeria far exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5 grams per day, with many communities consuming between 7 and 9 grams daily. He pointed out that this excessive overconsumption of sodium is directly tied to the alarming rise in hypertension, now affecting over 35% of adults in our population.
“The situation is exacerbated in urban areas, where dining habits lean heavily towards saltier prepared meals, unconsciously risking our lives with dietary habits that could lead to devastating, long-term health consequences.
“These figures are not mere statistics; they are a clarion call for accelerated efforts, rigorous monitoring, and creative strategies,” the Minister further said, adding that the guideline serves as a blueprint for action and a beacon of hope amid these challenges.
“The document before us is the first of its kind on the continent of Africa, a living manifesto for change, one that harmonises global recommendations with the local context, detailing a series of ambitious yet practical measures such as: Mandatory Maximum Sodium Targets. We have established clear limits for sodium content in processed and packaged foods, guided by scientific evidence and aligned with global best practices with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Multifaceted Public Education and Behaviour Change Campaigns. Given these, he informed that the comprehensive strategy also harnesses the power of mass media, social media, and community outreach to elevate awareness about the health risks of excess sodium consumption and promote informed dietary practices.”
While emphasising data-driven action, he stressed that the guideline supports continuous national surveillance and evaluation, ensuring that its efforts remain adaptable and impactful in reducing sodium levels.
“This Guideline is a product of rigorous research conducted by the Nigeria Sodium Study Team based at the University of Abuja, in tandem with the dedicated work of the National Technical Working Group on Sodium Reduction and our partners. Their contributions, alongside insights from both the public and private sectors, have enriched this guideline, making it a robust instrument of public policy.”
Delivering a keynote address during the launch, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Anas Ibrahim, noted that the launch is a significant initiative aimed at promoting healthier diets and mitigating the burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.
She said, “The unveiling and launching of this guideline is indeed a momentous occasion and a significant milestone in the history of our national health system. I would like to begin by commending the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the National Technical Working Group on Sodium Reduction (NTWG-SR) and other stakeholders who have worked diligently to develop diverse strategies aimed at reducing salt intake in Nigeria for their dedication, resilience, and hard work in developing these comprehensive operational guidelines that are crucial to promoting and improving the health of all Nigerians.
“Apart from the federal government’s budgetary allocation and release to health and social sectors this year, he has been demonstrating the Government’s commitment and political will to address the financial gaps that limit Nigeria from achieving an efficient, equitable, and quality health system,” she added.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) country representative, Dr Pinda Wakawa, during the occasion, pledged the agency’s support to ensure food security in all member nations.
He said that over-sodium intake has placed countries in dire health situations with high rates of cardiovascular and hypertension-related cases.
Mrs Okeoma Obasi, Principal Advisor, Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria, pointed out that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) indeed remain the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 75% of non-pandemic-related deaths worldwide. In Nigeria, NCDs pose a significant threat, particularly cardiovascular diseases, which have the highest prevalence among all NCDs.
She advised that the effort to reduce excess sodium intake is a crucial step in mitigating this risk.
“Cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of at least 19 million people annually, making them the leading cause of NCD deaths globally,” she stressed, adding that the development of a national sodium reduction guideline by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is a commendable move.
“Today, as a nation, we join a select group of countries worldwide in marking a significant step toward reducing excess sodium intake, a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Resolve to Save Lives extends its heartfelt commendation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare under the leadership of the coordinating minister for her assiduous efforts in developing a national sodium reduction guideline. A special appreciation goes to the multisectoral technical working group on sodium reduction, whose dedication, hard work, and rigour have resulted in an evidence-based guideline leveraging international best practices.”
As a result, she said that Nigeria has indeed positioned itself as a leader in promoting healthy food policies in the African region, demonstrating its commitment to addressing the burden of non-communicable diseases and promoting a healthier population.
In a goodwill message, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by Fagboyo Timothy Kayode, Director of Food Registration and Regulatory Directorate, NAFDAC, pointed out that the launching of the National Guidelines for Sodium Reduction showcases Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to combating the escalating burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, which are closely associated with excessive sodium intake (more than 5g of salt or 2g of sodium per day).
Although she said sodium is an essential nutrient necessary for the maintenance of plasma volume, acid-base balance, transmission of nerve impulses, and normal cell function, excessive sodium is linked to adverse health outcomes, which include increased blood pressure among other NCDs.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently emphasised the need for sodium reduction as a cost-effective strategy for improving public health outcomes. In line with this, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the collaborative efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NAFDAC, and other key MDAs and stakeholders, has developed this National Guideline as a strategic framework to guide policy implementation, industry reformulation, and public awareness on sodium intake reduction.”
“As the agency responsible for ensuring food safety and public health, NAFDAC is committed to supporting the effective implementation of this guideline. Our regulatory oversight will ensure compliance with sodium reduction targets, clear labelling of sodium content in pre-packaged food products, and continuous engagement with the food industry to promote healthier alternatives to sodium. We will also strengthen consumer education to empower Nigerians to make informed dietary choices.”
“This launch marks the beginning of a concerted national effort to reduce the health risks associated with high sodium intake. I urge all stakeholders—government agencies, industry players, civil society organisations, and the general public—to work together with the government in implementing the provisions of this guideline.”
Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), said, “We strongly believe that effective implementation of this guideline will help in no small measure in reducing excessive sodium intake and reduce cases of cardiovascular diseases and non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.”
