Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which aren’t contagious, are now claiming over 684,000 Nigerian lives each year, sparking deep concern. Traditionally, many Nigerians have focused on infectious diseases like cholera, HIV, and tuberculosis. These diseases often receive extensive media coverage, but the hidden threat of non-communicable diseases goes mostly unnoticed.
The sheer scale of NCD-related deaths was highlighted by Adewunmi Emoruwa, Lead Strategist at Gatefield, during a health summit in Abuja. At the event, “Beyond65: Preventing the Quiet Epidemic,” Emoruwa expressed his alarm over the high rate of NCD-related fatalities in Nigeria.
Emoruwa shared, “Over 684,000 Nigerians die each year from NCDs. This is equivalent to wiping out a whole country like Luxembourg annually. This avoidable crisis needs immediate action.” He pointed out that NCD deaths have increased from 24% in 2010 to 29% today, with life expectancy in Nigeria now averaging just 52 years.
The driving factors behind this crisis include high consumption of foods and drinks loaded with added sugars, excessive salt, tobacco, alcohol, and pollution. He shared that Nigerians consume nearly double the global average of sugary drinks each week, and salt intake is far above the World Health Organization’s recommended level. He noted that heavy drinking affects about 27% of Nigerians, and smoking is projected to rise by 30% across Africa by 2030.
He emphasized that nearly 48 million Nigerians are not physically active enough, leading to higher risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Tackling smoking, promoting exercise, and encouraging lifestyle changes are essential steps.
Emoruwa noted that with early detection, diseases like cancer and heart disease don’t have to be fatal. However, many people ignore symptoms or delay getting help until it’s too late. He urged the Nigerian government to prioritize funding for public health messaging and not to rely on organizations like the WHO and the UN to lead the effort.
Adding to this, Gatefield’s Board Co-chair Sa’adatu Hamu-Aliyu highlighted that life expectancy in Nigeria is just 52 years, compared to over 80 years in countries like Japan and Canada. Gatefield’s health strategy includes five key goals, including promoting healthy diets, reducing tobacco use, and supporting mental health.
In addition, Babatunde Irukera, former CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, emphasized that effective policies must include both strong infrastructure and skilled healthcare workers who understand their critical roles.
Dr. Uche Okenyi, of Nova’s Place Hospital in Lagos, explained that non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, asthma, cancer, and stroke, often arise from lifestyle choices, genetics, and environmental factors. He advised the government to provide clear public guidance on how to avoid these conditions.
Both the government and individuals have a part to play in reducing NCD deaths. He advised that lifestyle changes, like avoiding alcohol, smoking, and overeating, are essential. Marrying wisely is also important in the case of sickle cell disease. He warned that the economic impact on Nigeria’s health budget is massive, affecting everything from diagnostic tests to regular treatments.
Professor Anthony Ugwu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, in Awka, emphasized that both individual and government efforts are needed to reverse this trend. He suggested regular public health campaigns to teach Nigerians protective health habits.
NCDs are not only a burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system but also reduce the productivity of people who could have contributed to the country’s growth. The economic implications are severe, leading to increased healthcare costs and deepening poverty across the nation.
