The Federal Government has taken a significant step in promoting public health by launching the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction. The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday at the Abuja Continental Hotel, aims to curb excessive salt consumption in Nigeria and reduce the rising cases of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
A Defining Moment for Public Health
Speaking at the event, Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, represented by Pharmacist Olubunmi Aribeana, described the launch as a crucial milestone in safeguarding the health of Nigerians. He emphasized that excessive sodium intake has become a major health concern, with research showing that Nigerians consume between 7 and 9 grams of salt daily—far exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5 grams per day.
This high salt consumption is closely linked to the alarming rise in hypertension, affecting over 35% of Nigerian adults. The situation is even more critical in urban areas, where people often consume salt-laden processed and packaged foods, unknowingly putting their health at risk.
Addressing the Growing Health Crisis
Dr. Salako highlighted that urbanization and changing dietary habits have increased the reliance on processed foods, leading to higher sodium intake. As a response, the government is implementing bold public health measures to mitigate the risks of excessive sodium consumption.
The newly launched National Guideline for Sodium Reduction sets clear limits on sodium levels in processed and packaged foods, aligning with scientific evidence and global best practices. The guideline, developed with support from the WHO, also includes a data-driven approach, ensuring continuous national surveillance and evaluation to track progress and make necessary adjustments.
Regulatory Measures and Stakeholder Collaboration
To enforce sodium reduction, Dr. Salako announced that the Ministry of Health has directed NAFDAC to develop and implement regulations that will ensure food manufacturers comply with the sodium targets.
Pharmacist Titus Tile, Director of the Traditional & Complementary Medicine Department, emphasized that successful implementation of the guidelines will require collaboration among key stakeholders, including government agencies, health professionals, the food industry, civil society, and the general public.
Commitment to Food Safety and Health Equity
The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) in partnership with the National Technical Working Group on Sodium Reduction (NTWG-SR), reinforced the government’s commitment to improving food safety standards. The Director of Food and Drugs Services at the Ministry stressed that sodium reduction is not just a public health priority but also a step toward equity and integrity in food safety across Nigeria.
A Call to Action: “Let Your Health Guide Your Taste”
As part of the campaign, Dr. Salako unveiled the National Sodium Reduction Campaign tagline:
“Let Your Health Guide Your Taste.”
This message encourages Nigerians to make informed dietary choices and reduce their sodium intake for better long-term health.
With this initiative, the Federal Government is taking proactive measures to combat hypertension and promote healthier lifestyles across the country.
