The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has stepped up efforts to tackle hypertension and other deadly non-communicable diseases by pushing a new campaign aimed at reducing excessive salt consumption and encouraging healthier eating habits across the country.
As part of the renewed health initiative, the ministry on May 19, 2026, held a strategic meeting with the Kano State Ministry of Health to strengthen cooperation on the implementation of the National Sodium Reduction Guidelines.
The engagement brought together senior government officials, health experts, and development partners, including Resolve to Save Lives, to discuss practical ways to reduce cases of hypertension and heart-related illnesses in Nigeria.
Speaking during the meeting, Kano State Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, described the sodium reduction campaign as an important step in addressing the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure affecting many Nigerians.
He stated that reducing salt intake has become necessary because hypertension and other non-communicable diseases are rapidly becoming major public health concerns in the country.
The commissioner also assured that Kano State is ready to adopt and implement the national guidelines as part of efforts to improve public health.
Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Femi Stephen explained that state governments play a major role in helping Nigeria achieve its target of reducing sodium intake by 30 percent before 2030.
According to him, the National Sodium Reduction Guidelines are designed to gradually reduce salt consumption through public awareness campaigns, food industry reforms, healthier food policies, and stronger community education.
Health officials noted that excessive sodium intake remains one of the leading causes of hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases, making sodium reduction one of the most affordable and effective ways to improve public health outcomes.
The ministry also encouraged state governments to include sodium reduction strategies in primary healthcare services, school feeding programmes, nutrition policies, and food safety systems.
Participants at the meeting agreed to strengthen partnerships, improve state-level coordination, and develop stronger health policies aimed at promoting healthier diets and reducing the rising number of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.