NEWS LEVERAGE

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has issued a strong rebuttal to recent claims made by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of Christ Embassy, who in a widely circulated sermon, dismissed medical advice on reducing salt intake.

In a public health advisory released on Tuesday, the Ministry expressed concern over the pastor’s statements, warning that such messages could undermine national health efforts and endanger lives. While acknowledging the influential role of religious leaders in Nigerian society, the Ministry emphasised that accurate medical guidance must not be dismissed in favour of unverified spiritual opinions.

“Salt is not the enemy,” the statement read, “but excessive consumption is a serious risk to public health.”

In a viral video, the President and Founder of Loveworld Incorporated (Christ Embassy), Pastor Chris Oyakhilome claimed that Africans are intentionally discouraged from using salt to promote sales of sodium-based medications.

However, according to the Ministry, Nigerians on average consume more than double the World Health Organization’s recommended daily limit of 5 grams of salt putting millions at risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.

The Ministry is currently implementing the National Sodium Reduction Guidelines, a comprehensive initiative to reduce salt content in packaged foods, restaurant meals, and home cooking, while working with food producers and health professionals to shift consumer behavior.

The Ministry also clarified that sodium found in some medications is not the same as dietary salt (sodium chloride), and remains safe when used as prescribed by medical professionals.

“Doctors do not lie,” the Ministry asserted, urging Nigerians to trust health professionals and verified medical research.

Stressing that faith and science can work together for public good, the Ministry called on religious leaders to support national health goals and avoid spreading misinformation.

The full statement reads;

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has observed a widely circulated video in which a respected religious leader discourages 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 crucial to correct misinformation that poses a risk to public health.

Salt is not the 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 (WHO) 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 in lowering 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.

We reaffirm that faith and science are not at odds they can and should 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 Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to promoting healthier lives through accurate information, preventive action, and respectful collaboration with all segments of society including our valued faith communities.

Alaba Balogun Deputy Director Information & Public Relations 7th May 2025