In a major health initiative, the Nigerian government has unveiled the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction, aiming to combat the growing health crisis of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The announcement, made on Wednesday in Abuja, marks a significant step towards curbing the dangers of excessive salt consumption, which has become a leading cause of health problems across the nation.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the urgency of the new guidelines, pointing out that the average salt intake in Nigeria far surpasses the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limits. Represented by Olubunmi Aribeana, the Director of the Food and Drug Services Department, Salako explained how excessive sodium consumption is linked to the alarming rise of hypertension, now affecting more than 35% of Nigerian adults.
The minister also highlighted how urbanization and a shift towards processed and packaged foods have intensified these health risks, particularly in cities where salt-heavy prepared meals are common. “This situation is particularly concerning in urban areas, where dietary habits heavily favor salty foods that unknowingly risk our health,” Salako stated.
The new guideline, hailed as the first of its kind in Africa, sets clear limits on sodium content in processed foods and aligns with global health standards to protect public health. In addition to regulating food products, the initiative calls for widespread public education campaigns using mass media, social media, and grassroots outreach to raise awareness about the dangers of high sodium intake.
Dr. Salako further introduced the National Guideline for Food Handlers’ Medical Tests, a critical step in ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s food supply chain. By incorporating regular medical screenings for food handlers, the government aims to strengthen public health protections and ensure safer food practices nationwide.
In support of this effort, Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, stressed that implementing the sodium reduction guidelines would significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to the WHO, NCDs now account for over 70% of global deaths, making this initiative crucial for improving public health.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), led by Mojisola Adeyeye, also voiced its commitment to supporting the guidelines. Adeyeye emphasized that the agency would monitor compliance with sodium reduction targets, ensure proper labeling of sodium content in packaged foods, and encourage the food industry to offer healthier alternatives.
Experts, including Dr. Adeolu Adebiyi from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, lauded the guideline as a vital move to address the growing burden of NCDs in Nigeria. He pointed out that similar measures have been successfully implemented in countries like South Africa, and urged other African governments to adopt similar policies to reduce health costs and improve public well-being.
This bold step by the Nigerian government signifies a collective effort to improve health outcomes, reduce hypertension rates, and promote healthier eating habits across the country. The new sodium reduction guidelines are expected to have a lasting impact on public health, potentially saving thousands of lives in the years to come.
