part of efforts to tackle health effect associated with diets high in sodium including raised blood pressure which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, Meniere’s disease, and kidney diseases.

The Ministry launched the new policy in partnership with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), Resolve To Save Lives among others.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, lamented that some Nigerian communities consume between 7 and 9 grams of salt daily far above the 5 grams recommended by the World Health Organization, stressing that the excessive or overconsumption of sodium is directly tied to the alarming rise in hypertension, now affecting over 35% of adults in the nation’s population.

Represented by Mrs. Olubunmi Aribeana, Director, Food and Drug Services Department, the Minister said the situation is exacerbated in urban areas, where dining habits lean heavily towards saltier prepared meals, unconsciously risking the lives of Nigerians with dietary habits that could lead to devastating, long-term health consequences.

“Research has shown that the average salt intake in Nigeria far exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5 grams per day, with many communities consuming between 7 and 9 grams daily. This excessive overconsumption of sodium is directly tied to the alarming rise in hypertension, now affecting over 35% of adults in our 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” he said.

In his remarks, Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, while congratulating the Ministry, emphasized the importance of effective implementation in reducing excessive sodium intake and associated health risks.
https://independent.ng/fg-uveils-national-sodium-reduction-guidelines-to-curb-excessive-salt-consumption/