Amid Nigeria’s escalating diabetes crisis, approximately six million citizens now face life-threatening obstacles as the cost of essential diabetes care skyrockets, warns the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN). On the occasion of World Diabetes Day on November 14, DAN’s National President, Dr. Ejiofor Ugwu, highlighted that diabetes claims the lives of 30,000 to 40,000 Nigerians annually, with many unable to access proper care due to soaring expenses and limited healthcare resources.
Dr. Ugwu estimated that around 6-8 million Nigerians, or about 5.7% of the population, live with diabetes. However, he cautioned that this figure might be just the “tip of the iceberg,” as two-thirds of cases remain undiagnosed due to inadequate routine screenings across the country.
The costs associated with diabetes management have surged beyond most Nigerians’ financial reach. For instance, a vial of insulin, once priced at around N4,000, now costs N18,000—a staggering 400% increase. 
According to Dr. Ugwu, “This poses a significant barrier to optimal diabetes care in Nigeria, as the majority of patients can no longer afford treatment, leading to increased complications and premature deaths.”
Addressing the nation’s inadequate resources, Dr. Ugwu cited multiple hurdles including a shortage of diabetes specialists, pervasive poverty, low public awareness, and limited diabetes care facilities. Additionally, he pointed to cultural and religious beliefs as factors that may hinder effective disease management.
To mitigate this crisis, Dr. Ugwu urged the Federal Government to urgently subsidize diabetes medications and consumables, making them affordable for the millions affected. He also advocated for a tax waiver on imported diabetes-related products and called for the reintroduction of the sugar-sweetened beverages tax, halted in June 2024, with the revenue directed towards diabetes and non-communicable disease prevention efforts.
Lastly, Dr. Ugwu emphasized the importance of a comprehensive national survey on non-communicable diseases to gather accurate data for shaping effective healthcare policies.
How do you think the government can make diabetes care more affordable for Nigerians? Share your thoughts below.
