The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has cautioned Nigerians against excessive consumption of salt after a widely circulated video where Pastor Chris Oyakhilome promoted higher salt intake.
Oyakhilome, who serves as both the president and founder of Loveworld Incorporated (Christ Embassy), asserted in the video that African people are being deliberately prevented from consuming salt with the aim of boosting sales of sodium-based drugs.
In response to the cleric’s statements, Laba Balogun, the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the ministry, stressed on Wednesday that although sodium, which is a crucial part of salt, is necessary for bodily processes, it should be taken in limited quantities.
The ministry’s announcement states: “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has noticed a frequently shared video where an esteemed religious figure advises Nigerians not to follow medical recommendations regarding salt intake. Although we highly value the significant part played by faith and spiritual leaders within our community, it is essential to rectify false information that endangers public well-being.”
Salt should not be considered the adversary. It provides sodium, which is a crucial mineral aiding key bodily processes like nerve function, muscular actions, and maintaining fluid equilibrium. The real issue arises from overconsumption rather than salt alone. Following international standards, both the World Health Organization and the Nigerian government suggest limiting daily intake to 5 grams of salt—approximately one teaspoon. Exceeding this limit can elevate the likelihood of avoidable illnesses and fatalities.
Studies indicate that many Nigerians ingest over twice the suggested daily amount of sodium. This surplus consumption significantly contributes to elevated blood pressure, strokes, heart failures, and kidney diseases—conditions that lead to numerous fatalities each year.
“To address this growing health crisis, the Ministry is implementing a comprehensive national sodium reduction strategy. This includes the launch of the National Sodium Reduction Guidelines, which aim to reduce sodium content across all food categories—from processed and packaged foods to meals prepared at home or sold in restaurants and by street vendors. This initiative mandates food manufacturers, regulators, and the public in lowering sodium intake without compromising quality and nutrition.
We want to make this absolutely clear: Physicians do not deceive. Health practitioners in Nigeria are educated to provide advice based on verifiable data derived from years of scientific investigation and clinical experience. The inclusion of controlled sodium substances in specific medicines does not equate to table salt (sodium chloride) and is considered safe when administered correctly.
The ministry restated that faith and science are not in conflict—they ought to collaborate for the prosperity of our community.
“We thus encourage Nigerians to obtain reliable healthcare information from certified medical experts and collaborate with the Ministry to lessen the impact of avoidable illnesses,” the ministry implored.
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