By IDNN Health & Investigations Desk | Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Health has come out swinging against Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of Christ Embassy, over a now-viral video where he claims Nigerians are being deceived into avoiding salt to boost sales of sodium-based medications.
In a hard-hitting official statement on Wednesday, the Ministry described Oyakhilome’s claims as “harmful misinformation” and warned Nigerians that increasing their salt intake, as suggested by the preacher, could lead to life-threatening conditions.
“Salt is not the enemy,” said Iaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry.
“But excessive salt is deadly.Pastor Oyakhilome’s statements, while likely well-meaning, are extremely misleading and dangerous.”
What Did Oyakhilome Say?
Video edited on Kapwing
In the now-viral sermon, the charismatic pastor claimed that Africans were intentionally misled to reduce salt intake to make way for “sodium-based drug sales” — suggesting a global pharmaceutical conspiracy.
The video triggered a storm online, with supporters defending him as a spiritual authority, while doctors and scientists demanded accountability.
The Science: Salt Kills, in Excess
The Ministry cited World Health Organization (WHO) data showing that Nigerians already consume more than twice the safe daily limit of sodium — putting millions at risk of:
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High blood pressure
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Stroke
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Heart failure
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Kidney disease
The Ministry emphasized:
“Doctors do not lie. Our health professionals are trained in evidence-based science.
Sodium in regulated medication is not the same as table salt.
Misrepresenting facts confuses the public and risks lives.”
🛡 What’s the Government Doing?
The Ministry is currently implementing a National Sodium Reduction Strategy, which includes:
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Launch of new sodium guidelines
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Food manufacturing reforms
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Restaurant & street vendor compliance
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Public awareness campaigns
Officials warn that undermining science with unverified spiritual claims could sabotage national health efforts.
“Faith and science are not enemies,” the statement concluded.
“They must work together to protect Nigerian lives.”
⚠️ Bigger Than a Sermon?
Health analysts say this clash exposes deeper tension between religious influence and scientific literacy in Nigeria.
“We respect Pastor Oyakhilome’s spiritual role,” one health analyst told IDNN,
“but when pulpits become platforms for public health advice, we must draw a line.
This isn’t just theology — it’s a matter of national health security.”
📢 IDNN will continue tracking responses from Christ Embassy and monitoring health ministry enforcement nationwide.
Stay with us for updates.
