REPORT: Kidney disease rising in Nigeria, one in 10 Nigerians affected

The Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) says approximately 11 per cent of Nigerians are living with kidney disease, describing the trend as a growing public health challenge requiring urgent and coordinated action.

The disclosure was made in Maiduguri at a news conference following the association’s four-day annual general meeting and scientific conference focused on tackling the rising burden of kidney disease.

Jacob Awobusuyi, national president of NAN, said the prevalence translates to one in every 10 Nigerians living with the condition.

“This underscores the scale of the challenge facing Nigeria’s healthcare system and the urgent need for nationwide intervention,” Awobusuyi said.

He said the conference brought together nephrologists, nurses, other healthcare professionals, traditional leaders and key stakeholders in renal care to exchange knowledge and develop practical solutions.

“The conference has provided an opportunity to examine innovative approaches to dialysis and kidney transplantation, preventive nephrology, community-based screening, task-shifting, and the development of sustainable financing models for renal care,” he said.

Awobusuyi said the theme of the conference, “Kidney Health in a Resource-Limited Environment,” was timely, noting that participants explored strategies to deliver effective care amid infrastructural and financial constraints.

He also highlighted the burden of chronic kidney disease among women, describing it as a critical but often overlooked public health issue.

“Pregnancy-related kidney disorders, autoimmune diseases, delayed presentation, and financial dependency all contribute to poorer outcomes for women,” he said.

Awobusuyi added that participants examined how digital health solutions, partnerships and local innovations could expand access to renal services, particularly in underserved communities.

Ibrahim Ummate, chairman of the local organising committee and director of the kidney centre at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, identified hypertension and diabetes as the leading causes of kidney disease in Nigeria.

Ummate also cited habitual use of herbal medicines, indiscriminate consumption of over-the-counter drugs, skin-bleaching creams and exposure to pesticides and insecticides sprayed on food items as contributing risk factors.

“Continued exposure significantly increases the likelihood of developing kidney disease,” he cautioned.

NAN said the conference represents a strategic step towards strengthening awareness, clinical capacity and collaboration among stakeholders to curb the growing kidney disease burden in the country.