Medical experts and public health advocates are raising the alarm over the growing impact of excessive salt consumption on heart health in Nigeria. At a recent media roundtable in Abuja, specialists warned that high sodium intake is now the leading risk factor for hypertension and heart disease, driving up cases of stroke and complicating other non-communicable diseases across the country.
Hidden Salt, Hidden Danger
The experts expressed deep concern that most Nigerians remain unaware of the high levels of sodium hidden in everyday foods, especially packaged and processed products. Many popular items, from bread to soft drinks and even beer, contain sodium additives that push daily intake far beyond safe limits.
“High sodium in the blood spikes the pressure and aggravates cardiovascular diseases,” said Dr Joseph Ekiyor, an emergency room physician and health researcher. He clarified that the goal is not to eliminate salt completely, but to encourage people to reduce their current intake. “We’re not saying avoid it completely. Salt is essential to the body, but reduce what you’re currently taking.”
Dr Ekiyor’s advice is supported by the World Health Organization, which estimates that reducing global sodium intake by just 30 percent could save 1.6 million lives each year.
Packaged Foods and Policy Gaps
Food scientist John Tehinse pointed out that many packaged foods in Nigeria exceed safe sodium levels, and that consumers lack clear, honest information to guide their choices. He called on the government to enforce front-of-pack warning labels that make it easy to spot foods high in salt and sugar.
“The solution starts with policy, backed by political will,” Tehinse said. “We need sustained awareness, and the media has a crucial role to play.”
Tehinse, a member of the Nigerian Sodium Reduction Technical Working Group, explained that Nigeria’s national target is to reduce salt in processed foods by 15 percent by 2026 and 30 percent by 2030. He said the group has identified 34 priority food categories and is working with industry to reformulate products. “We are not saying stop eating them, but be conscious,” he advised.
The Shift from Traditional Diets
Dr Emmanuel Sokpo, Country Director of the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), warned that Nigeria’s food environment is flooded with invisible risks. He stressed that the shift from traditional, nutrient-rich diets to ultra-processed foods is a key driver of rising sodium-related diseases.
“The media must spotlight these issues, not just for awareness, but to push for solutions that protect the health of Nigerians,” Sokpo said.
Joy Amafah, country coordinator for the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, added that aggressive marketing of processed foods with high salt, sugar, and trans fats has worsened the problem. She called for urgent policy intervention to address gaps in nutrition profile modelling, front-of-pack labels, and sodium reduction strategies.
“We are now consuming more products with minimal nutritional value and high salt, sugar, and trans fats, driven by aggressive marketing. The media must expose this,” Amafah said.
National Guidelines and the Way Forward
The National Sodium Reduction Guidelines, developed by the Federal Ministry of Health, set out Nigeria’s strategy for tackling excessive salt consumption. The guidelines aim to:
- Reduce salt in processed foods by 30 percent by 2030.
- Promote clear, front-of-pack warning labels.
- Encourage food manufacturers to reformulate products.
- Raise public awareness about the dangers of high sodium intake.
Stakeholders at the roundtable called for stronger government action to enforce these guidelines and to ensure that food companies comply with safe sodium limits. They also urged the public to read food labels, choose fresh foods over processed options, and cook with less salt at home.
The Role of the Media
Experts agreed that the media has a vital role in educating Nigerians about the risks of excessive salt consumption and the importance of healthy eating. By highlighting the dangers and pushing for policy change, journalists can help protect millions of people from preventable heart disease and stroke.
“The solution starts with policy, backed by political will. We need sustained awareness, and the media has a crucial role to play,” said John Tehinse.
Conclusion
The rising tide of heart disease and stroke in Nigeria is closely linked to excessive salt intake, especially from processed and packaged foods. Experts are calling for urgent government action, clear food labels, and stronger public awareness to help Nigerians make healthier choices. Reducing salt in the national diet is not just a health issue—it is a matter of life and death for millions. The time to act is now, before more lives are lost to preventable diseases.
Stay woke. Stay tuned. Stay with AKEWE NEWS.
