The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is ramping up efforts to tackle hypertension and other non-communicable diseases through a new initiative focused on reducing sodium intake and promoting healthier eating habits nationwide.
On May 19, 2026, the ministry conducted a courtesy and technical visit to the Kano State Ministry of Health to foster collaboration on adopting and executing the National Sodium Reduction Guidelines. The meeting saw participation from senior Kano State officials, including Health Commissioner Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, as well as representatives from the federal ministry and development partners like Resolve to Save Lives.
Dr. Yusuf hailed the sodium reduction effort as a crucial step in combating hypertension and cardiovascular ailments that burden many Nigerians. He emphasized the appropriateness and urgency of this intervention for preventing and managing non-communicable diseases, and reaffirmed Kano State’s commitment to localizing the guidelines.
Mr. Femi Stephen, speaking on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted that state governments are essential to achieving the nation’s sodium reduction goals. He explained that the National Sodium Reduction Guidelines aim to cut sodium consumption by 30 percent by 2030 through a phased, multi-sectoral approach that includes public education, collaboration with the food industry, and policies promoting healthier options.
The ministry noted that excessive salt intake is a primary driver of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, making sodium reduction one of the most cost-effective public health strategies. It urged states to weave sodium reduction into primary healthcare, school meal programs, food safety systems, nutrition initiatives, and community awareness efforts.
Officials agreed to bolster collaboration by setting up state-level coordination mechanisms, strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, and advocating for healthier diets to reduce the impact of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.