At least 10 per cent of Nigeria’s adult populationroughly 24 million people—are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NIAN) has revealed, warning of a looming public health crisis.
Prof. Olugbenga Awobusuyi, President of NIAN, sounded the alarm on Tuesday during the Association’s 38th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference (AGMSC) in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He described the growing prevalence of kidney disease as “a matter of serious national concern” requiring urgent attention at federal, state, and local levels.
“Early detection is key. When CKD is identified late, treatment becomes extremely costly, often pushing families into catastrophic situations,” Prof. Awobusuyi said.
The nephrologist called on all 36 state governments to establish additional dialysis centres, noting that federal health facilities alone cannot meet demand.
While Nigeria currently has over 200 dialysis units, only about 800 dialysis machines are operational nationwide, far below the requirement to manage the escalating caseload.
He commended states that have already set up dialysis centres for their proactive measures.
The AGMSC, according to Prof. Awobusuyi, served as a platform for government officials, healthcare workers, civil society, traditional rulers, and media practitioners to discuss strategies for improving kidney care.
Participants reviewed recent research, emerging treatment trends, and public health challenges, stressing the need for a coordinated national response to curb the disease.
“Confronting long-standing gaps in the health system, strengthening early detection, and expanding access to dialysis are critical steps if we are to tackle this growing threat,” he added.
Chronic kidney disease, often linked to diabetes and hypertension, continues to rise in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for nationwide awareness campaigns, robust screening programs, and stronger healthcare infrastructure.
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