Nigerians consume an estimated 3.8 grams of sodium, or about 10 grams of salt, daily — nearly double the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit of 2 grams of sodium, or 5 grams of salt, health groups have said.
The Network for Health Equity and Development, Centre for Communication and Social Impact, and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa disclosed the figure in a joint statement to mark World Salt Awareness Week 2026.
“Excess salt consumption is no longer a silent issue. It is now a major public health emergency contributing to the alarming rise in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases across the country,” said Babafunke Fagbemi, Executive Director of CCSI.
Fagbemi said reducing sodium intake must become a national health priority, backed by enforceable policies including mandatory sodium targets, front-of-pack warning labels, and stronger public awareness campaigns.
Dr Jerome Mafeni, Technical Advisor at NHED, warned that Nigeria’s healthcare system is already under pressure from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and may struggle with the long-term social and economic costs if preventive measures are not implemented urgently.
Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, said nutrition policies must align with broader public health goals.
“As Nigeria responds to nutrition challenges, we must ensure that food policies do not unintentionally encourage increased consumption of ultra-processed foods linked to rising cases of diet-related non-communicable diseases,” he said.
This year’s campaign theme, “6 Ways to 6 Grams,” highlights the need to cut excessive salt intake, which the groups said is fueling hypertension, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and other NCDs in Nigeria.
The campaign urges governments, industry, communities and individuals to adopt practical measures to reduce daily salt intake to 5 grams or less.
The groups called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NAFDAC, SON and other stakeholders to protect Nigerians from harmful food environments through:
– Mandatory salt targets for processed foods
– Front-of-pack warning labels on ultra-processed products
– Greater public education on the dangers of excess salt
– Support for healthier food environments
They also urged Nigerians to adopt healthier diets by using natural spices such as ginger, curry, turmeric and fish powder, cutting back on salt and seasoning cubes, eating more fresh foods, fruits and vegetables, and checking food labels.
“As we mark World Salt Awareness Week, we must recognise that healthy diets are not just a matter of personal choice but also of public policy,” the statement said. “The government has a responsibility to create food environments that protect health rather than undermine it.”
World Salt Awareness Week 2026 runs from May 11–17, focusing on reducing dietary salt intake to improve public health outcomes.
