A new health advisory from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has urged citizens to disregard viral claims by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome that promote high salt consumption.
The statement follows a video of the Christ Embassy founder telling his congregation that warnings against salt were part of a ploy to increase dependence on sodium-based medications.
“They told you not to take salt so that you can buy their drugs—drugs that contain sodium,” Pastor Oyakhilome stated during a church service that has since gone viral. “Salt is not your enemy.”
In response, the health ministry released an official communication, signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, stressing that excessive salt intake has been scientifically linked to life-threatening conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and kidney damage.
While acknowledging the influential role of spiritual leaders, the ministry emphasised that health advice should come from certified professionals and be grounded in evidence.
“Sodium is essential in small amounts,” Balogun explained, “but overconsumption is harmful. The WHO recommends a daily maximum of 5 grams of salt for adults.”
The government is urging the public to exercise discretion and rely on validated medical guidance for nutritional and health-related decisions.
