NIGERIA: FG Warns Public After Oyakhilome’s Viral Salt Advice Sparks Health Concerns

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has issued a public health notice, cautioning Nigerians against excessive salt consumption, following a viral video in which Pastor Chris Oyakhilome reportedly encouraged increased salt intake.

In a statement released Thursday by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, via the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare official X handle, the ministry emphasised that while sodium is necessary for essential bodily functions, consuming too much salt poses serious health risks.

The statement read: “Salt is not the enemy. However, excessive consumption is dangerous and can lead to conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.”

The Ministry’s clarification comes in response to growing public concern over Oyakhilome’s remarks, which appeared to contradict long-established medical guidance on dietary sodium.

While the Ministry acknowledged the respected role of faith leaders, it stressed that public health messaging must be based on science and verified medical evidence.

The statement emphasised: “ In line with global best practices, the World Health Organisation (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.”

The ministry also mentioned that to address the crisis, the government is implementing a “National Sodium Reduction Strategy”, which includes mandatory sodium limits for food manufacturers, as well as efforts to educate the public on healthier eating habits.

The Ministry added, “We reaffirm that faith and science are not at odds; they can and should work together. We urge Nigerians to seek health advice only from qualified professionals and support ongoing efforts to reduce non-communicable diseases.”

Recall that the founder of Love World Assembly, popularly known as Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, on Sunday during a sermon at his Lagos church advised members to ignore medical advice against salt consumption.

Instead of reducing salt intake as recommended by health professionals, Pastor Oyakhilome encouraged his congregation to take more salt, claiming it is beneficial to the body.

“Many have suffered from stroke and other ailments because they listened to their doctor’s advice not to take salt. You need salt,” he emphasized during the sermon.

He went further to question the credibility of medical professionals, saying, “We listen to the so-called professionals and many have died listening to them. Think how many people have suffered strokes and all kinds of ailments because they listened to their doctor.”