Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan has raised alarm over the growing burden of kidney disease in Yobe North Senatorial District and across Nigeria, calling for urgent government intervention to tackle the crisis.
The former Senate President made this appeal following a meeting with a delegation from the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) on Wednesday. The delegation, led by Professor Solomon Kadiri, a Board of Trustee member of NAN, presented Senator Lawan with a copy of the National Renal Care Policy, which outlines the escalating prevalence of kidney disease in the country.
Among the high-powered delegation were Prof. Jacob Awobusuyi, Dr. Samuel Ajayi, Prof. Fatiu Arogundade, Prof. Adanze Asinobi, Prof. Ibrahim Ummate, Prof. Muhammad Makusidi, Dr. Olalekan Ojo, Secretary of NAN, Dr. Salihu Ibrahim Kwaifa, Assistant Secretary, Ilodibe Asumpta, and Ajibike Shanu.
Senator Lawan expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of renal failure in his senatorial district, the North East region, and other parts of the country. He acknowledged the efforts of the Yobe State Government in addressing the issue but stressed the need for urgent federal intervention to curb the rising health crisis.
According to the National Renal Care Policy, the absence of a national renal registry has made data collection and disease monitoring difficult. Hospital records indicate that advanced kidney failure accounts for approximately 10% of medical admissions in Nigeria. Studies further reveal that most affected patients are between the ages of 25 and 40.
The NAN delegation highlighted a dire challenge: a majority of Nigerians undergoing hemodialysis die or discontinue treatment within the first three months due to financial constraints. The high cost of dialysis and kidney transplants has left many without access to life-saving care.
Senator Lawan emphasized the urgent need for increased healthcare funding to provide affordable and quality kidney disease treatment. He urged the federal government to subsidize dialysis costs and support kidney transplant programs.
In addition, he called for nationwide awareness campaigns on risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and unhealthy lifestyles, noting that early detection and prevention are critical in combating the disease.
The senator also underscored the importance of legislative action, stating that the National Assembly must collaborate with stakeholders to review existing health policies and enact laws that ensure equitable access to kidney disease treatment for all Nigerians.
“The burden of kidney disease not only affects the health and well-being of our citizens but also places immense strain on our healthcare system and economy. As a nation, we cannot afford to ignore this crisis,” Senator Lawan said.
With kidney-related illnesses on the rise, stakeholders are hopeful that the federal government will take decisive steps to mitigate the crisis and improve healthcare access for Nigerians battling renal diseases.
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