Fed Ministry Of Health To Nigerians: Ignore Chris Oyakhilome’s Assertions, High Salt Intake Dangerous To Your Health
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has warned Nigerians against high salt intake noting that it is dangerous to their health.
This was done in reaction to the assertions made in a viral video by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome urging people to increase salt intake and claiming that it has advantages.
In the video in question, Pastor Oyakhilome, who is the president and founder of Loveworld Incorporated (Christ Embassy), claimed that Africans have been intentionally discouraged from using salt in order to promote sales of sodium-based medications.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned that the Ministry of Health in a statement by Laba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, has clarified and emphasized that while sodium as a key component of salt, is essential for body functions, it must however be consumed in moderation.
‘The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has observed a widely circulated video in which a respected religious leader discouraged 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 important to correct the misinformation that poses a risk to public health.
Salt is not an 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. In line with global best practices, the World Health Organization and the Nigerian Government recommend a maximum of 5 grams of salt per day (about one teaspoonful). Going beyond this threshold increases the risk of preventable disease and death.
Research shows that most Nigerians consume more than double the recommended daily sodium intake. This excessive intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease—non-communicable conditions that continue to claim thousands of lives annually.
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 to lower sodium intake without compromising quality and nutrition.
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’ the statement said.
The Health ministry also submitted that faith and science can and should be made to 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’ the statement added-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
