FG rejects Oyakhilome’s salt claims, urges Nigerians to follow medical advice

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has issued a strong public health advisory warning Nigerians against excessive salt consumption, following a viral video of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome urging his congregation to ignore medical advice on salt intake.

In the now-trending clip, Pastor Oyakhilome, founder of Loveworld Incorporated (also known as Christ Embassy), claimed that salt has been wrongly vilified. “They told you not to take salt so that you can buy their drugs—drugs that contain sodium,” he said during a church service. “Salt is not your enemy.”

The remarks quickly sparked concern among health professionals and the general public, prompting an official response from the Ministry of Health.

In a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, the ministry emphasized the need for Nigerians to rely on evidence-based dietary recommendations and warned that misinformation—no matter the source—could pose a serious threat to public health.

“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has observed a widely circulated video in which a respected religious leader discourages Nigerians from heeding medical advice on salt consumption,” the statement read. “While we deeply respect the role of faith leaders in our society, it is crucial to address misinformation that could jeopardize the health of the public.”

Balogun acknowledged that salt does contain sodium, an essential nutrient for nerve and muscle function. However, he warned that excessive intake has been directly linked to a number of serious non-communicable diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

“The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume no more than 5 grams of salt per day—roughly one teaspoon,” he stated.

The ministry urged Nigerians to seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals for nutrition-related decisions and to approach non-scientific claims with caution—particularly when they contradict widely accepted medical guidelines.