Abuja, Nigeria – May 8, 2025- The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has responded to misleading claims about salt consumption in a viral video.
Specifically, the Ministry corrected a religious leader’s advice against medical recommendations, stressing the need for accurate health information.
In a recent statement, Alaba Balogun, the Ministry’s Deputy Director of Information, warned against excessive salt intake.
While respecting faith leaders’ influence, the Ministry emphasized that false claims could harm public health.
The statement clarified that salt contains essential sodium, which supports nerve function and fluid balance.
However, overconsumption poses serious risks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no more than 5 grams of salt daily—about one teaspoon.
Unfortunately, many Nigerians consume twice this amount, increasing hypertension, stroke, and kidney disease risks.
These conditions remain leading causes of preventable deaths nationwide.
To address this, the Ministry introduced a sodium reduction strategy.
New guidelines aim to lower sodium levels in processed foods, homemade meals, and street vendor offerings.
Additionally, food manufacturers and regulators are collaborating to ensure nutritional quality isn’t compromised.
The Ministry also defended medical professionals, stating their advice is based on decades of research.
It clarified that sodium in medications differs from dietary salt and is safe when prescribed.
Balogun emphasized that faith and science can coexist to improve public health.
Finally, the Ministry urged Nigerians to trust qualified health experts and support disease prevention efforts.
By promoting accurate information and collaboration, the initiative aims to reduce preventable illnesses and foster societal trust.
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