Nigeria Targets Sodium Reduction To Curb Cardiovascular Diseases
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Excess salt intake is quietly fueling a public health crisis in Nigeria, contributing to a surge in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
With many Nigerians consuming far beyond the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended 5 grams of salt daily, the Federal Government has launched a decisive effort to curb sodium intake.
At the unveiling of the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stressed the urgency of the situation.
The Minister of state, represented by Pharmacist Olubumi Aribena, noted that over 35% of Nigerian adults suffer from hypertension, largely driven by excessive consumption of sodium.
“This guideline is not just a document it is a blueprint for action,” Salako stated, highlighting measures like mandatory sodium limits in processed foods, public education campaigns, and national surveillance systems to ensure compliance.
WHO Country Representative, Dr. Pinda Wakawa, reechoed the need for global support, warning that unchecked sodium intake puts nations at risk of rising cardiovascular deaths.
Similarly, Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria’s Principal Advisor, Mrs. Okeoma Obasi, praised the initiative, stressing that cardiovascular diseases kill at least 19 million people annually worldwide.
With this move, Nigeria joins a growing list of countries prioritising healthier food policies.
Experts and stakeholders, including NAFDAC and CAPPA, pledged support for the implementation of the guideline, marking a critical step toward reducing non-communicable diseases and promoting a healthier population.
