FG to embark on research to reduce high level of sodium consumption

2026-02-15 - 17:19

By Bashir Bello The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW), has announced plans to conduct research to reduce the high level of sodium consumption in Nigeria. The Ministry’s Scientific Officer, Isah Samaila, made this known during a medical outreach organized by the Ministry in partnership with the Centre for Communication and Social Impact, CCSI, at the Sabon Gari market, as part of activities to sensitize Nigerians on the need for a reduction in the intake of sodium. Samaila said the research, which is to be carried out across the six geopolitical zones of the country, with Kano State selected to represent the Northwest, was designed due to the high level of sodium consumption and related health challenges. According to him, “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) launched a document: Sodium Reduction Guideline. The guideline aims to minimize the Sodium consumption so as to reduce the high risk of Non Communicable Disease (NCDs) in Nigeria. “In line with the Guideline, the FMoHSW, in collaboration with the National Technical Working Group – Front of Pack Labeling, NTWG – FOPL and with the support of its partners have been meeting severally including the meeting of the NTWG on Front of Pack Labeling, to discuss protocols for FOPL research design. FOPL is a system designed to provide clear and accessible nutritional information on food packaging. This helps consumers make informed dietary decision and they promote healthier food choices in helping reduce the excessive consumption of sugar, which are known to lead to high levels of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). “Currently, the Ministry is preparing to commence a research exercise on the protocol of FOPL Design in the six geopolitical zones of the country. One state in each of the six states. Kano State is selected as the state in the North West where this research will be conducted. “The program also chooses to hold in the Igbo road Market considering their population, so that it will be in the order of 1 to tell 10 and 10 to tell others,” Samaila said. The CCSI’s Program and Media Officer, Anna White-Agbo, cautioned Nigerians against too much consumption of sodium but instead they should embrace the use of natural spices to give it a flavour and spicy. She also advised Nigerian to cultivate the habit of checking the label of products they buy and consume to ensure the sodium content is not too high. A medical expert with Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, AKTH, Dr. Mohammed Musa, said too much consumption of sodium is responsible for health challenges such as Hypertension and hypertensive heart diseases, among others. Some of the campaign materials during the outreach carry inscriptions such as, “Too much salt causes high BP, reduce your salt intake”, “Salt hides in packaged foods, read food labels” and “Reduce your salt intake, use natural spices.”