Nigeria faces growing kidney disease crisis as 24M citizens affected

NIGERIA—Medical experts have raised the alarm over a growing public health crisis as chronic kidney disease now affects approximately 24 million Nigerians, representing 10 percent of the country’s adult population.

Prof. Olugbenga Awobusuyi, president of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NIAN), disclosed this troubling statistic at the association’s 38th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The gathering brought together government officials, healthcare workers, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, and journalists to address what has become a national emergency.

A healthcare crisis demanding urgent action

“During our discussions at the conference, we confirmed that chronic kidney disease affects about 10 percent of Nigeria’s adult population,” Prof. Awobusuyi explained.

“This figure reflects the scale of the emerging healthcare crisis facing our country.”

The nephrologist emphasized that early detection remains crucial in managing the disease effectively. 

When identified in its initial stages, chronic kidney disease can be treated and managed, significantly reducing both health complications and financial burden on families.

However, delayed diagnosis transforms treatment into an extremely expensive endeavor, often pushing families into catastrophic financial situations while the patient’s condition continues to deteriorate.

Critical shortage of dialysis facilities

Prof. Awobusuyi painted a stark picture of Nigeria’s inadequate healthcare infrastructure for kidney patients.

The country currently operates only about 200 functional dialysis units equipped with approximately 890 dialysis machines nationwide.

These facilities fall drastically short of meeting the needs of millions of patients requiring regular dialysis treatment.

The NIAN president called on all 36 state governments to establish additional dialysis centers, arguing that federal health facilities alone cannot adequately serve the growing number of kidney patients across the federation. He commended states that have already taken steps to establish such facilities, urging others to follow suit.

Understanding the risk factors

The conference highlighted several common risk factors contributing to the rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease among Nigerians.

Hypertension stands as both a major cause and complication of the disease, while diabetes mellitus has become increasingly significant as an underlying cause.

Chronic glomerulonephritis, obesity, advanced age, and family history of kidney disease or hypertension also contribute substantially to the growing crisis.

Focus on women’s kidney health

This year’s conference adopted the theme “Kidney Health in a Resource-Limited Environment,” with a special sub-theme addressing “Chronic Kidney Disease in Women.”

Prof. Awobusuyi noted that women face unique biological, social, and economic challenges that affect their access to kidney care.

Pregnancy-related kidney disorders, autoimmune diseases, delayed presentation due to social factors, and financial dependency all contribute to poorer health outcomes for women with kidney disease.

Innovation despite Challenges

Prof. Ibrahim Ummate, chairman of the local organizing committee, described the conference as a testament to resilience, recovery, and progress within Nigeria’s medical and academic community.

Healthcare professionals across Nigeria and much of Africa continue working in environments characterized by limited infrastructure, inadequate funding, workforce shortages, and unequal access to care, yet they remain innovative and committed to excellence.

The three-day conference provided a platform for scientific exchange, practical training, and policy dialogue.

Participants examined innovative approaches to dialysis and transplantation, preventive nephrology, community-based screening, task-shifting, and sustainable financing models.

Discussions also explored how digital health solutions, partnerships, and local innovations can expand access to renal services nationwide.

Government support in Borno State

Prof. Ummate commended Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for providing free hemodialysis services at the State Specialist Hospital and for funding renal research to identify the causes of chronic kidney disease in the region.

The research findings are currently approaching completion.

The conference emphasized that tackling the chronic kidney disease crisis requires confronting long-standing gaps in the healthcare system, strengthening early detection mechanisms, and building a more coordinated national response across all levels of government.