The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has issued a public health advisory urging Nigerians to avoid excessive salt consumption, in response to a viral video in which Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of Loveworld Incorporated (Christ Embassy), suggested that more salt should be consumed.
In the video, which quickly spread across social media, Oyakhilome claimed that Africans have been “deliberately discouraged” from consuming salt to create a dependency on sodium-based medications. He stated, “They told you not to take salt so that you can buy their drugs—drugs that contain sodium. Salt is not your enemy.”
In response, the health ministry stressed the importance of following medically-backed dietary advice and warned about the dangers of consuming too much salt. A statement from Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, emphasized the need to counter misinformation that could harm public health.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has observed a widely circulated video in which a respected religious leader encourages Nigerians to disregard medical advice on salt consumption,” the statement read. “While we respect the role of faith and religious leaders in our society, it is vital to correct misinformation that poses a risk to public health.”
Balogun acknowledged that while salt contains sodium, which is essential for nerve and muscle function, excessive salt intake is linked to several serious health conditions. “High salt consumption is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, among others,” he cautioned.
He also referred to international dietary guidelines, noting that the World Health Organization recommends a daily maximum of 5 grams of salt (roughly one teaspoon) for adults.
The ministry concluded by encouraging the public to seek health advice from certified professionals and to be cautious of information not supported by scientific evidence.
