Hypertension, The Hidden Danger Of Salt: Why Nigeria Must Act Now
By Esi-ife Arogundade
Each May, World Hypertension Day shines a spotlight on a silent but deadly health crisis—high blood pressure, often dubbed the “silent killer.” As global stress levels rise and unhealthy lifestyle habits persist, hypertension remains a ticking time bomb for millions, including a staggering number of Nigerians.
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure in the arteries stays consistently high, putting immense strain on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this silent condition can lead to stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and even dementia. Worryingly, it often goes unnoticed until it causes serious damage.
The statistics are alarming. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware of their condition. In Nigeria, the Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS) estimates that nearly 1 in 3 adults lives with hypertension—yet only 10% are receiving treatment, and a mere 2.5% achieve proper blood pressure control.
One of the key culprits? Excess sodium consumption.
While sodium is essential in small amounts for nerve and fluid balance, too much of it wreaks havoc on cardiovascular health. WHO recommends no more than 2g of sodium per day—roughly one teaspoon of salt. However, the average Nigerian consumes up to 5.8g of salt daily, far exceeding this limit. Much of this sodium hides in processed and packaged foods, often without consumers even realising it.
Highlighting this concern during the 2024 Salt Awareness Week, Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, revealed that 10% of cardiovascular-related deaths in Nigeria are linked to excessive sodium intake. In response, Nigeria recently launched a National Sodium Reduction Guideline—a pivotal step towards promoting healthier diets and reducing preventable deaths.
The guideline, developed with support from Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and other partners, aims to encourage the food industry to reformulate products, limit salt levels, and embrace transparency. Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has urged NAFDAC to enforce sodium limits, asserting that public health must take precedence over profit margins.
CAPPA has also championed the adoption of front-of-pack labelling—an easy-to-read system that helps consumers identify sodium-rich products at a glance. This approach empowers people to make better food choices while also pressuring manufacturers to cut down on salt.
Reducing salt intake is not the only solution. Combating hypertension also means quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and staying active—all key to a healthier heart and longer life.
On this World Hypertension Day, we are reminded that small changes—like reading food labels, cooking with less salt, or choosing fresh over processed—can have a massive impact. It’s time to take charge of our health, hold the food industry accountable, and work towards a future where fewer lives are cut short by preventable disease.
Arogundade is a Healthy Food Advocate at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
