Hypertension: Gowon Varsity’s Team Steps Up Salt Reduction Campaign

The Nigeria Sodium Study Team, in partnership with the Yakubu Gowon University’s Cardiovascular Research Centre, has intensified its salt reduction awareness campaign to reach wider population segments.

The campaign initially targeted students in universities across the country’s geopolitical zones, has now been scaled up to reach every Nigerian through mass media and grassroots channels, raising awareness about the dangers of excessive salt consumption.

“Nigeria has one of the highest rates of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa, largely driven by poor dietary habits,” said Professor Dike Ojji, lead investigator at the university’s Cardiovascular Research Centre and head of the salt-reduction campaign.

He said, “Salt may taste good, but too much of it is destroying our health. To save lives, we must cut it down. Our people need to understand the dangers of excessive salt consumption — without this awareness, many will remain ignorant, and changing salt-use behaviour will be difficult.”

Ojji said the campaign is not only about sharing research findings but also about guiding Nigerians on practical ways to avoid the dangers of excessive salt consumption. He advised people to taste their food before adding salt, cut down on seasoning cubes, and embrace healthier alternatives such as local spices.

The campaign builds on insights from the Nigeria Sodium Study, which assessed dietary sodium intake earlier, surveyed retail products, and engaged stakeholders to shape effective national policy.

It was anchored on findings from the study, conducted by the University of Abuja’s Cardiovascular Research Centre in collaboration with leading global institutions, including Washington University in St. Louis, Northwestern University in Chicago, and The George Institute for Global Health in Australia.