Some Communities Consume Far Above WHO Recommended Daily Intake, Fueling Hypertension Epidemic, Says Minister

The Federal Government launched the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction on Wednesday as part of efforts to combat the health effects of high-sodium diets, such as elevated blood pressure, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, Meniere’s disease, and kidney disease.

The Ministry announced the new policy in collaboration with Corporate. Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), and Resolve To Save Lives, among others.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, lamented that some Nigerian communities consume between 7 and 9 grams of salt daily far above the 5 grams recommended by the World Health Organization, stressing that the excessive or overconsumption of sodium is directly tied to the alarming rise in hypertension, now affecting over 35% of adults in the nation’s population.

The Minister, represented by Mrs. Olubunmi Aribeana, Director, Food and Drug Services Department, stated that the situation is exacerbated in urban areas, where dining habits lean heavily towards saltier prepared meals, putting Nigerians’ lives at risk through dietary habits that could have devastating, long-term health consequences.

“Research has shown that the average salt intake in Nigeria far exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5 grammes per day, with many communities consuming 7 to 9 grammes per day. This excessive sodium consumption is directly linked to the alarming rise in hypertension, which now affects more than 35% of the adult population. The situation is exacerbated in cities, where dining habits lean heavily towards saltier prepared meals, unknowingly endangering our lives with dietary habits that could have devastating, long-term health consequences,” he said.

In his remarks, Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, congratulated the Ministry and emphasised the importance of effective implementation in reducing excessive sodium consumption and associated health risks.

“Today is another significant milestone in protecting public health in Nigeria by promoting a healthy diet.

“We are confident that effective implementation of this guideline will contribute significantly to reducing excessive sodium intake and cases of cardiovascular and noncommunicable diseases in Nigeria.

“We remain committed to our partnership with the ministry and its agencies in promoting policies that improve positive health outcomes.”

Mrs Okeoma Obasi, Principal Advisor, Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria, also stated that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to be the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 75% of non-pandemic-related deaths.

She stated that with the launch, Nigeria has positioned itself as a leader in promoting healthy food policies in the African region, demonstrating its commitment to reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases and promoting a healthier population.

Joy Amafa-Isaac, the In-Country Coordinator for Global Health Advocacy Incubator, described the event as extraordinary in the sense that the country chose this day to commit to reducing sodium intake by 30%.

She stated that the guideline provides relevant guidance to reduce excess salt intake in people’s diets, thereby increasing nutrition and reducing deaths from noncommunicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease.