By Progress Godfrey, Abuja
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with other pro-nutrition partners, has launched the National Guideline for Sodium (salt) Reduction.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, in his ministerial address at the event in Abuja on Wednesday, said the launch became necessary owing to the prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases which have endangered the lives of many Nigerians, causing a spike in mortality rate annually.
Represented by the Director of Food and Drugs Services of the Ministry, Mrs Olubunmi Aribeana, Dr Salako also unveiled the “National Guideline for Food Handlers’ Medical Test”, aimed at ensuring the health and safety of the food supply chain by unifying and ensuring that regular medical examinations are conducted for food handlers.
“Together, these guidelines form a cohesive framework that directly supports the implementation of the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan, 2023. By addressing both individual health awareness and systemic food safety standards, we are fostering a unified approach to achieving safer, healthier, and more reliable food practices across the nation,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria as part of the global community has suffered from the transformative power of urbanisation with its diets heavily loaded with processed and packaged foods, which have added a new burden to the healthcare landscape, calling for bold public health initiatives to safeguard the country against silent threats, “one of which is the elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases linked to high sodium consumption.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) — one of the development partners of the ministry, recommends a limit of 5 grams per day, but the health Minister expressed worries that the average salt intake in Nigeria far exceeds the set recommendation, with many communities consuming between 7 and 9 grams daily.
The Minister highlighted that the overconsumption of sodium is directly tied to the alarming rise in hypertension, now affecting over 35 percent of adults in Nigeria’s 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. Our guideline serves as a blueprint for action and a beacon of hope amid these challenges,” he emphasised.
He further explained that the sodium reduction guideline harmonises global recommendations with the local context, proffering potential yet practical solutions such as mandatory maximum sodium targets, multifaceted public education and behaviour change campaigns, and robust evaluation and monitoring mechanisms.
Dr Salako said the Guideline was a product of in-depth research 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 as well as other partners.
He noted that the Ministry had initiated its role in the implementation by directing NAFDAC to formulate a regulation that ensures sodium targets enforcement of processed and packaged foods.
He called on industry partners to embrace reformulation, adding that the initiative is not a regulatory imposition designed to disrupt commerce, but an invitation to be pioneers in a new era of healthier consumer products.
“The government stands beside you, ready to offer technical guidance and collaborative support, ensuring that your businesses continue to thrive while contributing meaningfully to our national health objectives,” he assured.
The health Minister therefore unveiled the National Sodium Reduction Campaign with the tagline: “Let Your Health Guide Your Taste”.
Earlier in an interview with journalists, Principal Advisor for Cardiovascular Health at Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria (RSL), Ms Okeoma Obasi expressed joy over the move by the Nigerian government, noting that excess sodium intake remains a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
She noted that with this move, there would be reduced incidents of NCDs, particularly cardiovascular diseases.
Also, the Country Coordinator for Food And Nutrition Programs in Nigeria at Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), Ms Joy Amafah noted that in the last one year, the ministry of health worked tirelessly alongside GHAI and other partners to ensure that the Guideline was put together to improve nutrition and reduce the mortality caused by NCDs
She recalled that in 2018, Nigeria and other countries committed to reducing the population’s sodium intake by 30 percent.
“It’s amazing to see that Nigeria did not just commit, but they have made giant strides towards achieving it,” said the nutrition expert.
On his part, the Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi 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.”
He reiterated his commitment to continued partnership with the ministry and its agencies in promoting policies to enhance positive health outcomes.