Members of the panel discussion on reducing sodium intake for a a healthier Nation: implementing National guidelines and strategies during the launch of the national guideline for sodium reduction in Abuja yesterday
In this article, Business Editor Onu Okorie Ex-rays the importance of the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction and the National Guideline for Food Handlers’ Medical Test launched by the federal government in Abuja yesterday
The launching of the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction and the National Guideline for Food Handlers’ Medical Test in Abuja yesterday was remarkable in many ways. First, the guideline puts Nigeria ahead of other African countries in setting policy, guidelines and to secure sodium reduction for healthy living apart from South Africa. Also experts were unanimous in their views that the time for the guideline is ripe. Many stakeholders were also available to support the federal government’s efforts in sodium reduction, thereby boosting the confidence of the promoters of the policy.
Speaking at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary, federal ministry of health and social welfare, Daju Kachollom said, “Today is a vital step forward in our collective effort to tackle two critical public health concerns—excessive sodium consumption and the health and safety of our food supply system. These dual challenges have profound implications for our citizens’ well-being and our healthcare systems’ sustainability.”
She revealed that excessive sodium consumption has been closely linked to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke. This guideline shows the Ministry’s commitment to having a comprehensive and evidence-based tool designed to promote healthier diets and ensure food safety across all sectors.
She however, warned that the successful implementation of these guidelines cannot be achieved in isolation. But will require the active collaboration of all stakeholders present here today—government agencies, health professionals, the food industry, civil society, and the general public.
“Together, we can create an enabling environment that supports healthier choices, promotes safe practices, and strengthens the fabric of our communities. As we launch these guidelines, I encourage each of us to reaffirm our dedication to this cause and champion their adoption in your respective sectors.
“Let us seize this opportunity to turn our shared vision into actionable steps that will save lives, improve health outcomes, and secure a brighter future for generations to come.I extend my heartfelt thanks to our numerous partners for your immeasurable support throughout the process of developing this guideline, we appreciate each one of you.
To our sister Ministries and Agencies, we appreciate your presence today and your unwavering commitment to advancing Public Health. Let us rise to this challenge, creating a lasting legacy and making these initiatives a cornerstone of a healthier, safer, and more prosperous Nigeria.”
Globally, sodium reduction has become a top priority for many nations in response to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) call to action. Excessive sodium consumption poses serious risks to public health, and its detrimental effects are well-documented. The WHO has emphasized the urgent need for member states to address this issue to safeguard the well-being of their populations.
In Nigeria, the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a pressing public health challenge. High sodium intake has been identified as a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are among the leading causes of death associated with NCDs. Alarmingly, the WHO reports that NCDs are responsible for over 70% of deaths globally. It is in this context that the Department of Food and Drug Services remains resolutely committed to fostering healthier dietary practices and reducing sodium consumption nationwide.
Sodium reduction is not just a public health priority; it is also a matter of ensuring equity and integrity in food safety across Nigeria. The establishment of an effective and enduring National Guideline for Sodium Reduction is a crucial step towards curbing excessive salt intake and promoting healthier lives for all Nigerians.
Speaking during a sideline interview at the event the Principal advisor, Cardiovascular Health Resolve To Save Lives RTSL Mrs Okeoma Obasi explained that the move is effort of the government to begin to look at interventions that would reduce sodium intake in packaged foods and also create awareness for people to know the quantity of sodium that one can take in s day, just as World Health Organization WHO has advised that the highest quantity of sodium intake should be two grams. But you see, that in Nigeria most people exceed that quantity, so this is the beginning of the journey to correct that error. This will create awareness for the people and guide information that will help people to consume sodium within maximum limit. This will ensure that the Nigerian population is safe and there will be reduced incidence of non communicable diseases especially canuvascular diseases. According to WHO 17 million die from the canuvascular diseases annually.
On her part the In-Country coordinator food and nutrition policy Joy Amafa who works with Global health said that the significance of the unveiling of the guidance for sodium reduction in Nigeria is that it has committed the country to reduction of sodium intake for healthy living. Since last year, experts along with the Ministry of Health have been working tirelessly to produce the sodium reduction guideline to ensure that the global standard for healthy living in sodium intake in the country is achieved. However , this is a starting point, there’s still a lot to be done. There’s no doubt that the stakeholders will not just focus on processed food but will eventually bring about awareness even in various homes.
“I know that the federal Ministry of Health and national agency for food and drug control NAFDAC are collaborating to enact a regulation to communicate what is in the guidance we are launching today into legal terms and that will assist for monitoring and evaluation of the performance of the guideline.” She explained.
Also Senior Advisor Africa Food Policy Programme GHAI, Dr Adeolu Adeniyi said that what the government is doing is significant to achieving healthy living in the country. When you look at what is happening across Africa in terms of fighting venascular diseases, you will discover that it’s at a threshold that not sustainable. He said that regulating intake of sodium is very critical to achieving healthy society in the continent. Presently we only have South Africa in the continent that has achieved such regulation standards for sodium reduction guideline. This is calling on other sister agencies to stand up on this reality for the need to achieve healthier living by ensuring a reduction in the sodium intake.
This guideline is also a cost effective measure because when people are healthy, it’s cheaper than to seek medical attention, meaning reduction of sodium intake will prevent the diseases and is easier than seeking medical care. I believe that as the guideline is set other stakeholders will join force with the government to ensure the enforcement.
Minister of state for health and social welfare Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako argued that the guideline marks a defining moment in the nation’s commitment to protect and enhance the health of every Nigerian.
According to him, “It is with great pride and solemn responsibility that we launch our National Guideline for Sodium Reduction—a carefully crafted framework that symbolizes our collective determination to prevent the adverse health consequences of excessive sodium intake.
“As part of the global community, our country has witnessed the transformative power of urbanization with our diets increasingly incorporating processed and packaged foods. These changes have created new challenges to our healthcare landscape and necessitate bold public health initiatives to safeguard our communities against silent threats—one of which is the elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases linked to high sodium consumption.”
“Allow me to lay before you some compelling insights: 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.
“These figures are not mere statistics; they are a clarion call for accelerated efforts, rigorous monitoring, and creative strategies. Our guideline serves as a blueprint for action and a beacon of hope amid these challenges.”
The document before us is the first of its kind on the Continent of Africa—a living manifesto for change—one that harmonizes global recommendations with the local context, detailing a series of ambitious yet practical measures such as: Mandatory Maximum Sodium Targets: We have established clear limits for sodium content in processed and packaged foods, guided by scientific evidence and aligned with global best practices with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO).Multifaceted Public Education and Behaviour Change Campaigns: Our comprehensive strategy also harnesses the power of mass media, social media, and community outreach to elevate awareness about the health risks of excess sodium consumption and promote informed dietary practices.”
Robust Evaluation and Monitoring Mechanisms: Emphasizing data-driven action, the guideline supports continuous national surveillance and evaluation, ensuring that our efforts remain adaptable and impactful in reducing sodium levels.
This Guideline is a product of rigorous research conducted by the Nigeria Sodium Study Team based at the University of Abuja, in tandem with the dedicated work of the National Technical Working Group on Sodium Reduction and our partners. Their contributions, alongside insights from both the public and private sectors, have enriched this guideline, making it a robust instrument of public policy.
He said that the Ministry have initiated the role in the implementation by directing NAFDAC to formulate a suitable regulation that ensures the enforcement of sodium targets in processed and packaged foods.
Together, these guidelines form a cohesive framework that directly supports the implementation of the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan, 2023. By addressing both individual health awareness and systemic food safety standards, we are fostering a unified approach to achieving safer, healthier, and more reliable food practices across the nation.
