Nigerians Urged to Reduce Dangerous Salt Consumption

During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Emmanuel Sokpo, Country Director of Network Health Equity Development (NHED), highlighted that Nigerians are consuming dangerous levels of salt daily, often unknowingly. He pointed out that not only is salt consumed directly, but it is also hidden in processed foods such as noodles, snacks, bread, and fast food.

Dr. Jerom Mafeni, Technical Public Health Lead at NHED, described excessive sodium consumption as a growing public health danger, noting that many people are unaware they have high blood pressure until serious complications arise. He stated that reducing salt intake is one of the most cost-effective public health measures to decrease cases of hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.

Current food regulations in Nigeria are insufficient, and there is a call for stricter enforcement of salt and sugar limits in processed foods. The federal government is considering new initiatives, including warning labels on food products that contain excess salt, sugar, and fat, to protect consumers, particularly children and adolescents.