8% of Nigerians Live With Diabetes, 14% With Hypertension — FG Raises Alarm Over Rising NCD Burden

Health officials warn of low awareness, weak screening, and rising deaths linked to non-communicable diseases

📚 Get "Spend Less, Save More" — Click here

By Juliet Adeyanju | Mararaba, Nasarawa State – April 10, 2026

The Federal Government has raised concern over the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria, revealing that about 8 per cent of citizens are living with diabetes, 14 per cent with hypertension, and roughly 25 per cent carrying the sickle cell gene.

The National Coordinator of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Division at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Alayo Sopekan, disclosed this on Thursday during a workshop on public financing and implementation of the NCD Multi-Sectoral Action Plan (MSAP) in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

The event was organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL) and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).

Sopekan said the data was drawn from a recent STEP survey on NCD prevalence and trends, warning that a significant number of Nigerians remain unaware of their health status due to low levels of routine screening.

He noted that Nigeria’s response to non-communicable diseases remains constrained by inadequate funding and limited partner support, despite the rising disease burden.

📚 Get "Spend Less, Save More" — Click here

“Nigeria’s response to non-communicable diseases is constrained by inadequate funding and limited partner support, despite the rising burden compared to communicable diseases that attract more attention and resources,” he said.

He stressed that early detection, prevention, and effective management are essential to reducing complications and slowing disease progression. He also called for stronger financing of preventive interventions such as screening and health education.

Sopekan further urged increased funding through dedicated taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and sugar-sweetened beverages to support national NCD control efforts.

NCDs Responsible for 30% of Deaths
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Muntasir Liman revealed that non-communicable diseases account for about 30 per cent of annual deaths in Nigeria, based on a 2023 national survey involving more than 24,000 adults.

He noted that diabetes prevalence stands at 4.7 per cent, with diagnosis and treatment gaps remaining significant—only 24.6 per cent of cases are diagnosed, 22 per cent are on treatment, and just 11 per cent achieve proper blood glucose control.