Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) recently supported Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to convene a two-day workshop to strengthen state-level capacity for implementing the country’s new National Guidelines for Sodium Reduction. Excess sodium consumption remains a significant risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease in Nigeria, making effective state-level action essential for reducing preventable illness and death.
Since the launch of the guidelines in April 2025, national implementation efforts have progressed steadily. Building on that momentum, the workshop brought together national and state stakeholders — including regulatory agencies, academic institutions, professional bodies, and development partners — to support state-level action.
Participants deepened their understanding of sodium-reduction strategies and explored key implementation areas, such as public awareness, research and surveillance, and regulatory enforcement. They also assessed current state capacity, identified existing gaps and opportunities, and outlined the support needed to translate national policy into practical, subnational action.
A major outcome of the workshop was the identification of implementation priorities and coordination frameworks for pilot activities in Oyo and Kano States. The meeting also strengthened collaboration among institutions and partners involved in advancing sodium reduction efforts across the country.
As the work moves into the implementation phase, RTSL will support the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to review and refine outputs from the workshop and adapt key engagement materials, including advocacy toolkits and intervention briefs, for use at the state level. In Oyo and Kano States, RTSL will also support stakeholder mapping and work with state focal officers to plan entry visits and engagements with Commissioners and other relevant stakeholders.
