Featured

Chronic Kidney Disease On The Rise In Nigeria

Published

5 months ago

January 7, 2025

… CKD spike alarming, worrisome – Prof Amodu
….Over 20 million persons currently suffering from CKD – Prof Ulasi
….Cost of treatment beyond average income earners
…As Nigerian gov’t urged to look inwards for cure

Nigerians in their numbers are grappling with kidney disease and failure, while the cost of treatment eludes many patients, JULIET IBIMINA writes.

As Nigerians continue to find ways to adjust to current economic realities, foremost phyto medicine researcher in the country, and Professor of phyto medicine from the Triune Biblical University, USA, Professor Benjamin Amodu, has warned that chronic kidney disease, including kidney failure is disturbingly on the rise.

Speaking to the Gleamer Newspapers in Abuja over the weekend, Prof Amodu said: “Currently patients suffering from kidney disease and failure is rising at a very alarming rate.

There is no week I don’t get between 3 and 5 patients being rushed here for treatment.

“So we need to ask ourselves why it is becoming an everyday affair now, not just Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD and even kidney failure, but even liver cancer too

He said he has been treating several patients for CKD and kidney failure over the years.

Findings by this newspaper reveal that the prevalence of CKD amongst Nigerians is becoming very alarming.

For instance, speaking to journalists after the recent Masaka Market fire outbreak, one respondent told the sad story of her aunt, popularly known as Mama G, who collected a loan to stock her two shops in preparation for the yuletide season sales so as to raise money for kidney transplant only for both shops to be completely razed by fire. She said in October, Mama G was diagnosed of Stage 4, Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD and is billed to go for transplant.

According to Amaka’s cousin who spoke to this medium since Amaka couldn’t speak even through sobs said:

“Her mum who is my aunt is very sick in the hospital and awaiting to raise the N15,000,000 (fifteen million Naira) needed for kidney transplant.

“In order to raise money for the transplant plus other ancillary expenses, my aunt had to take a loan in order to stock her three shops in this market so she could pay back by the end of January and proceeds to India in February for the transplant.

“She’s a widow and has no helper so now that everything is gone, how can she pay up the loan and proceed for the transplant?”Currently we do not know how to break the news to her, and we are aware that she used the house her husband built as collateral that is why you see her daughter is not able to speak coherently.

“Similarly, a study published by Africa Journal Online mid last year, showed that the prevalence of CKD is high in the Northern district of Yobe State. The report indicated that the origin of the disease is “unknown” and recommended further studies “to define environmental or cultural factors that contribute to the high prevalence in this region.

“The figures have been alarming, said the Chief Medical Director (CMD) at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, Baba-Waru Goni. The professor said his hospital conducts more than 60 dialysis sessions weekly.According to a foremost Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD prevention activist, Ifeoma Ulasi, a Professor of Medicine/Consultant Physician and Nephrologist, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsuka, UNN, disclosed that CKD has become prevalent in Nigeria with about 20 million persons currently suffering from the disease.

She noted that there were multiple factors causing kidney diseases, apart from genetics, adding that the nation’s health insurance needed to be reviewed to cater for people with the disease.

“The prevalence of kidney disease is about eight to 12 percent of the Nigerian population; it could be more, but as you may well know, many of our people don’t report to the hospital on time.

“They would have tried one or two alternative practices like native doctors or turned to spiritual houses to seek attention; we don’t get to see them early, but we believe it is about eight to 12 percent.

“So, if you work it out, 10 percent will be about 20 million Nigerians having kidney diseases.“There are so many practices apart from us being genetically predisposed to kidney diseases.

“There are some practices that are not very good for our kidney health; oftentimes, some women use some medicated soaps that contain mercury; this is not good for the kidney,” she said.On her part, Dr Adanze Asinobi, a paediatric nephrologist, said that women should be well-nourished so as to give birth to healthy babies.

According to her, low birth weight contributes to prevalence of kidney diseases in children, hence the need for women to be wary of using bleaching cream and soap.

“If they have low birth weight or they are premature, their organs won’t develop well. Their kidney starts up having smaller numbers because there is a range for a functional kidney unit.

“If units are small from the beginning, then such a child is at risk of developing kidney disease more than the healthy individuals.

Therefore, hypertension may have its origin in childhood.”Speaking further, Prof Amodu said authorities in the health sector should not take this alarming rise passively.

“That is what officials in the health sector and in the Federal Ministry of Health as well as the Nigerian Center for Disease Control, NSCDC, as well as other relevant agencies in the health sector should do.

“I say this because virtually all my patients have all been to the hospitals for treatment. It is when they seem not to be getting better that they rush down to us here,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “But one thing I thank God for is that patients have continued to contact us and those we have successfully treated are not keeping quiet about it.

“Right now we have the needed solution for diabetes, High Blood Pressure, enlarged heart, issues with the eye like cataract, glaucoma etc, malaria, enlarged prostrate, diabetic ulcer, and many more.

”He then called on the ministry of health and all it’s agencies to take the increasing cases of liver cancer as well as kidney issues seriously.

“Let us look inward for solutions to the health issues disturbing our people so we can begin to attract medical tourism to Nigeria,” he stressed.

Despite the spike, the cost of treatment of CKD is beyond the reach of average and low income earners. Currently, the average cost of a session of hemodialysis is N40,000 in government hospitals, but higher in private facilities.

Usually, patients from tage 3 renal disease are always advised to go for transplant. Though the cost of transplant costs relatively less between 3.5 and 5 million Naira in government hospitals in Nigeria if a patient finds a compatible donor, it costs between 8 and 15 in public hospitals.It usually costs higher when treatment is sought overseas especially when cost of return tickets for the patient and at least one caregiver, plus cost of hotel accommodation and other ancillary expenses is added.

However, many patients do not know that on average, a kidney transplant from a living donor lasts for 20-25 years, while a kidney from a deceased donor lasts 15-20 years. But for many, it usually does not last for up to half the average.

However, Prof Amodu who is at the forefront of phyto medicine research and cure says at his facility, the African Alternative Medicine Hospital, his patients usually have no need for dialysis even those in end-stage renal disease or kidney failure.

He says with his treatment, both kidneys of his patients are usually revived and perform optimally, adding that the cost of treatment at his facility is much cheaper than at the orthodox treatment centers.One of his patients who spoke to our reporter, George Emine, said:

“In October 2020 I was diagnosed of Stage 5 or end-stage kidney disease , otherwise known as kidney failure. As a journalist who had seen patients of Hepatitis B virus, diabetes and other killer diseases completely cured after receiving treatment from the African Alternative Medicine Hospital, I immediately rushed to meet Prof Amodu and he began treatment same day.

“At the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, I was placed on three sessions of dialysis weekly and told to raise the sum of N36 million Naira for my transplant. But at his facility I was asked to pay just N10 million Naira and without any dialysis session, without tapping to drain the fluid retained in my body as my face, stomach and feet were all swollen, the fluid dried up and both my kidneys were certified perfectly okay in a little over a year.”

Share on Facebook

Featured

Presidency Refutes Afenifere’s Deceitful Statement on President Bola Tinubu’s Midterm:

Published

1 day ago

June 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Chief Sunday Dare

The statement from a factional Afenifere group raises serious concerns about a penchant and deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity. The group has found it challenging to accept that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s comeback story is firmly underway.

The rebellious Afenifere claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s performance over the past two years has witnessed a regression in human development, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding.

This is a jaundiced view, echoing the view of opposition politicians, one of whom the group supported in the 2023 election.

A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems.

Beyond its confounding conclusions based on prejudice, the statement raises the following issues. With the ensuing point-by-point clarification, it will become clear that the group’s position is neither grounded in facts nor logic.

Economic Reforms and Their Impact

The factional Afenifere’s claim that Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have led to “unmitigated sufferings” and “economic deforms” seeks to draw attention to some of the challenges but overlooks the macroeconomic gains. The removal of the fuel subsidy, announced on May 29, 2023, saved the government over $10 billion in 2023 alone, reducing fiscal strain and redirecting funds to other sectors. Unifying the foreign exchange market and the naira’s floatation aimed to address distortions in the currency market, boosted foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024 and achieved a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion for the country.

Under the Tinubu administration, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate fell to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% in the prior month. Food inflation, the most significant component of the inflation basket, remained elevated but moderated to 21.26% from 21.79%

While these figures indicate stabilisation, the immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians is not lost. The government’s cash transfer programme, which provides funds to the poorest households and benefits over 5.7 million households, is a credible outreach.

However, dismissing the twin policies as “unforced errors” ignores the unsustainable nature of the previous subsidy regime and multiple exchange rate systems, which were draining public finances. A more balanced critique would acknowledge the necessity of reform while emphasising the need for better-targeted social safety nets.

As of today, the Tinubu administration has recorded over 900,000 beneficiaries of the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 600,000 beneficiaries of the Students’ Loan Scheme, NELFUND, N70,000 minimum wage, NYSC monthly stipend increase from N33,000 to N77,000, Free CNG kits distributed to thousands of commercial drivers across Nigeria with CNG buses rolled out in partnership with state governments, leading to a significant drop in transport costs. The administration also recorded over $10 Billion FX debt cleared, Federal account allocation to states growing by 60%, enabling more local development projects, N50 billion released to end the perennial ASUU strikes, and over 1,000 PHCs revitalised nationwide with an additional 5,500 undergoing upgrades.

The administration also disbursed N75 Billion in palliative funds to states and LGs for food distribution and cash transfers, over 150,000 youths are being trained in software development, tech support and data analysis under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) project, over 20,000 affordable housing units under construction under the renewed Hope cities program launched across Nigeria, N200 Billion in Loans to farmers and agro-processors. Other gains: over two million Nigerians are now connected to new digital infrastructure and community broadband hubs and public WiFi projects, 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024 (highest in 3 years), over $50 Billion in new FDI Commitments, Net Foreign Exchange Reserves up from $3.99 Billion (2023) to $23.11 Billion (2024), over $8 Billion in new oil and gas investments unlocked, and over $800 million realised in processing investments in solid minerals in 2024 and inflation as at April was down to 23.17%.

It is now pertinent to inquire from opposition leaders about alternative strategies they would propose in contrast to this administration’s extensive list of significant achievements currently benefiting Nigerians in real-time.

Cost of Governance and the Oronsaye Report

The assertion that the Tinubu administration has failed to implement the Oronsaye Report and instead increased governance costs is inaccurate. The Oronsaye Report, which recommends the merger or scrapping of government agencies to reduce expenditure, has not been fully implemented and has drawn criticisms; it must be noted, however, that the administration has made some efforts to improve fiscal discipline. The fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, and the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. The government also recorded over N6 trillion in revenue in Q1 2025, partly due to removing Ways & Means financing and fuel subsidies. These steps demonstrate fiscal prudence and will eventually translate into immediate, tangible relief for citizens. The administration is working earnestly to address these optics and prioritise cost-cutting measures, including implementing the Oronsaye Report, to restore public trust.

Allegations of Prebendalism and Corruption

Afenifere’s claim that the administration favours “the privileged and connected” through corrupt palliative distribution and mega-project allocations is questionable. Reports of palliatives being mismanaged or distributed through unverified channels have no doubt surfaced, raising concerns about transparency.

The administration has taken steps against corruption, such as suspending Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over alleged fund diversion, signalling some commitment to accountability. Critics may argue that more systemic action is needed, but dismissing all the efforts as propaganda overlooks these initial steps.

Without abusing Presidential powers, the administration is working on expediting action on all pending investigations and prosecution of corrupt practices. At the same time, critical agencies are collating credible evidence on ongoing corruption litigations. It must, however, be noted that in 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured a record-breaking 4,111 convictions, marking its most successful year since its inception. They recovered over N364 billion and significant amounts in foreign currencies, including $214.5 Million, $54,318.64, and 31,265 Euros.

The EFCC achieved its single most significant asset recovery in 2025, with the final forfeiture of an Abuja estate measuring 150,500 square meters and containing 725 units of duplexes and other apartments. The EFCC concluded the final forfeiture and handed the estate to the Ministry of Housing in May 2025.

Democratic Concerns and Centralisation

Afenifere’s accusation that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a “one-party state totalitarianism” and undermining democratic institutions is unsupported and lacks merit. The claim of neutralising the legislature and judiciary is also a false alarm.

The public should note that the Supreme Court has upheld opposition victories in states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia, suggesting judicial independence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for allegedly appointing individuals said to be ruling party affiliates, but no evidence confirms these appointees are card-carrying APC members.

The allegation that the Tinubu government cracks down on peaceful protesters is primarily unfounded. It is a regurgitated rhetoric deployed under previous administrations as a reflection of broader challenges in Nigeria’s democratic culture.

The issue of the State Police is more complex than the oversimplified approach of the factional Afenifere’s statement. Every administration policy is subject to security impact assessment before implementation, and there is a difference between the State Police being widely advocated and a Police State that critics may blame the Federal Government for if implemented without caution.

Security and Social Welfare

Contrary to the impression created, the administration’s security record is impressive. Over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents have been neutralised and 7,000 arrested in the past year, though there is still some news of abductions and violent attacks. The administration’s proactive response to security-related matters has paved the way for more farmers to return to their farms, impacting food production and supply.

The administration also embarked on agricultural initiatives, including tractor procurement, fertiliser distribution, and increased mechanisation.

The government has also not relented on its Regional Development drive as the administration succeeded in establishing Development Commissions across 6 Geopolitical zones (South West, North West, North Central. North East, South East and the Niger Delta) to empower communities and accelerate developments.

Political Climate and 2027 Elections
The claims of government-sponsored conflicts within opposition parties lack concrete evidence and should be ignored.

Economic reforms are undoubtedly laying the foundation for long-term stability, with GDP growth at 4.6% in Q4 2024 and a Fitch B credit rating upgrade as evidence. Moody’s Investors Service’s latest upgrade of Nigeria’s rating from Caa1 to B3, with a Stable Outlook, indicates that the Tinubu administration is on the right path.

The government is not oblivious to some discontent and difficult times among Nigerians. There is an urgency to deliver more tangible results, which is guaranteed given the impressive performance of the administration in just two years.

Afenifere’s statement saw the cup as half empty. On the contrary, it’s half full. Under President Tinubu’s administration, some of Nigeria’s hydra-headed problems are being tackled headlong.

The administration has achieved fiscal improvements, such as reduced deficits and increased revenues, which will eventually translate into meaningful microeconomic relief for most Nigerians in the short term, even as the government moves to address these issues with greater empathy and transparency.

The administration’s demonstrable priorities are securing the nation, fixing the economy, and improving human capital development.

Responsible citizens and political leaders must work collaboratively with the administration to address the challenges and counter disinformation, as highlighted in the admonition against fake news and deceptive AI videos.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is turning the corner. From stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to reducing debt burdens and

expanding access to education and health, the administration delivers bold reforms with actual results. With improved security, regional inclusion, anti-corruption measures, and institutional rebuilding, Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway.

– Sunday Dare is the Special Adviser to Mr. President on Media and Public Communications.

Share on Facebook