The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has issued a health advisory clarifying the importance of moderate salt consumption following a viral videoof Pastor Chris Oyakhilome discouraging Nigerians from heeding medical advice on salt intake.
“Many have suffered from stroke and other ailments because they listened to their doctor’s advice not to take salt. You need salt,” Oyakhilome, who is the senior pastor of Christ Embassy church, had said.
‘’We listen to the so-called professionals, and many have died listening to them. Think about how many people have suffered strokes and all kinds of ailments because they listen to their doctor.
“Think of how many people have been afraid of salt. In fact, they have eliminated salt from their food. You have to let others know. You need salt – more salt rather than less salt. All the sick people being treated in the hospital are given salt, but they don’t know it. They repackage it and sell it to you in different forms.”
But reacting in a statement signed by its Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations Officer, Alaba Balogun, on Wednesday, the health ministry noted its respect for religious leaders but said it was necessary to combat public health misinformation that could pose serious risks to citizens.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has observed a widely circulated video in which a respected religious leader discourages Nigerians from heeding medical advice on salt consumption. While we deeply respect the important role of faith and religious leaders in our society, it is crucial to correct misinformation that poses a risk to public health,” the statement read in part.
“Salt is not the enemy. Salt contains sodium, an essential mineral that supports vital body functions such as nerve activity, muscle movement, and fluid balance. However, the concern lies in excessive consumption, not in salt itself.”
The ministry, while citing the global guidelines for salt consumption from the World Health Organisation (WHO), urged Nigerians to maintain the recommended daily intake of a maximum of 5 grams, (approximately one teaspoonful).
The statement noted, however, that research has revealed that most Nigerians consume more than double the recommended daily sodium intake, which is a major contributor to high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.
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 that food manufacturers, regulators, and the public in lowering sodium intake without compromising quality and nutrition.
The ministry further clarified that doctors do not lie. It emphasised that Nigeria’s health professionals are trained to offer evidence-based guidance rooted in decades of scientific research and patient care. It added that the presence of regulated sodium compounds in certain medications is not equivalent to dietary salt (sodium chloride) and is safe when prescribed appropriately.
“We wish to state clearly: Doctors do not lie. Nigeria’s health professionals are trained to offer evidence-based guidance rooted in decades of scientific research and patient care. The presence of regulated sodium compounds in certain medications is not equivalent to dietary salt (sodium chloride) and is safe when prescribed appropriately,” said the ministry.
It also reaffirmed that faith and science are not at odds but can and should work together for the well-being of our people. It urged Nigerians to seek accurate health advice from qualified medical professionals and to join hands with the ministry in reducing the burden of preventable diseases.
“We reaffirm that faith and science are not at odds—they can and should work together for the well-being of our people. We therefore urge Nigerians to seek accurate health advice from qualified medical professionals and to join hands with the ministry in reducing the burden of preventable diseases,” said the health ministry.
