Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, stated on Wednesday that excessive sodium consumption is directly linked to the alarming increase in hypertension, which now affects over 35% of Nigerian adults, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
The minister, represented by Olubunmi Aribeana, Director of Food and Drugs Service Department, at the launch of the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction in Abuja, stated that the situation is worsened in urban areas, during an event organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, Resolve To Save Lives, Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, among others.
Research has shown that Nigeria’s average salt intake greatly exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended daily limit of 5 grams, with many communities consuming between 7 and 9 grams per day, she said.
Dr Salma Anas Ibrahim, special adviser to the president on Health, stated that the guideline serves as a framework to mitigate the aforementioned health risks and promote a healthier population, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It is very important to broadcast this guideline through citizens’ engagement and ensure consumer awareness programmes to empower Nigerians to make informed dietary choices,” he said.
Kazzem Tribune, WHO Representative in Nigeria, stated that the global average sodium intake is 10.8g/day, exceeding the WHO recommendation by more than double, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
He noted that reducing sodium intake is crucial in protecting populations from non-communicable diseases, and that all 194 WHO member states have committed to reducing sodium intake by 30% by 2025.
