The Federal Government has raised fresh concern over the rapid surge of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, noting that they are now overtaking infectious diseases as Nigeria’s biggest health threat.
Speaking at the 9th Abuja Cardiovascular Symposium, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate — represented by Dr. Ahmed Mohammad — described the situation as a medical emergency. He referenced WHO data showing that NCDs make up 75% of non-pandemic global deaths, a trend increasingly reflected in Nigeria.
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Nigeria’s NCD burden stood at 29% of national deaths as far back as 2018, with cardiovascular diseases leading. Most premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for stronger national action.
To curb the rise, the government is focusing on prevention, improved diagnostics, stronger primary health care, and increased local production of essential medical tools. New policies — including updated hypertension and diabetes guidelines, the National Tobacco Control Act, and sodium reduction measures — are also being actively implemented.
At the symposium, health experts warned that awareness remains dangerously low. Consultant cardiologist Dr. Mariam Inuwa stressed that many Nigerians do not know their basic health numbers, and even those diagnosed often lack proper management.She urged the public to adopt lifestyle changes, warning that uncontrolled hypertension leads to complications such as stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure.
The Minister also applauded the private sector, noting its key role in expanding access to quality care.
Dr. Iseko Iseko, CEO of Limi Hospital Group, added that Nigeria cannot improve life expectancy without aggressive action, emphasizing that many advanced cardiovascular procedures can now be done locally.
