Nigeria, May 8 -- The Federal Government has reacted to a video circulating online where a popular religious figure urged people to ignore medical warnings about salt.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare made it clear that such advice could harm public health.

The warning came through a statement released on Wednesday by the Ministry's Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun.

The government urged Nigerians not to follow misleading health tips that could put their lives at risk.

The Ministry explained that while salt is needed for certain body functions like nerve signals and muscle activity, too much of it is dangerous.

It can cause serious health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, ...