The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has warned Nigerians to limit their salt consumption. This comes after a viral video of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome advising people to use more salt.
In the video, the founder of Loveworld Incorporated (Christ Embassy) claimed that Africans are being discouraged from using salt so that pharmaceutical companies can sell more sodium-based drugs.
He said, “They tell you not to eat salt. Why? Because they want to sell you more sodium in tablets. That’s what those pills are made of.”
The ministry responded on Wednesday. It said Nigerians should not follow misleading health advice.
In a statement, the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Laba Balogun, said, “We respect the influence of religious leaders. But we must correct misinformation that can harm public health.”
He added that sodium is important for the body but should only be taken in safe amounts.
“Salt supports key body functions like muscle movement and fluid balance. But too much of it is dangerous,” the statement said.
Too Much Salt Can Kill
The ministry said most Nigerians eat more than twice the recommended amount of salt every day. The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that people should not eat more than 5 grams of salt a day. That’s just one teaspoon.
Eating too much salt raises your risk of health problems. These include high blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure.
“Excessive salt intake is one of the top reasons many Nigerians are dying from non-communicable diseases,” the statement warned.
The ministry also said it has started a national sodium reduction strategy. The plan includes new food guidelines and policies to lower salt in everyday food.
“We are targeting processed foods, homemade meals, and even food sold by street vendors,” the ministry said. “We want to reduce sodium without hurting taste or quality.”
Faith and Science Can Work Together
The ministry added that the sodium in some drugs is not the same as table salt. Sodium-based medicine is carefully measured and safe when doctors prescribe it.
“Doctors do not lie,” the statement said. “Health professionals in Nigeria rely on decades of science and patient care.”
The ministry also encouraged Nigerians to see medical doctors and not ignore expert advice.
“We believe that faith and science can work hand in hand. We ask all Nigerians to support our fight against preventable diseases.”
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