The Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on diabetes care as the country witnesses a sharp surge in cases and deaths linked to the disease.
According to the association’s National President, Prof. Ejiofor Ugwu, about 11.4 million Nigerians currently live with diabetes. Though the real number could be much higher due to limited routine screening and undiagnosed cases.
Speaking ahead of World Diabetes Day 2025, themed “Diabetes and Well-being,” Prof. Ugwu highlighted that only a third of diagnosed patients receive proper treatment. And even fewer achieve good control. He warned that diabetes, a chronic condition marked by persistently high blood sugar, has become a silent epidemic in Nigeria.
Globally, around 589 million adults live with diabetes. Causing about 6.7 million deaths annually a toll higher than HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria combined. Alarmingly, 75% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, mostly among people under 60 years.
Ugwu described diabetes as a “growing epidemic” that brings severe hardship, disabilities, and premature deaths. He noted that the cost of diabetes management has surged by over 500% in the last three years. Now averaging ₦100,000–₦120,000 monthly, making care unaffordable for most Nigerians.
To address the crisis, DAN called on the government to develop a national diabetes policy, subsidise essential drugs, and grant full tax waivers on imported medications and consumables. The association also urged the reinstatement and upward review of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax to at least ₦200 per litre. With proceeds channelled into non-communicable disease prevention.
Finally, Ugwu emphasised the need for a national diabetes registry, expanded health insurance coverage, and stronger primary healthcare systems to ensure early detection and effective management of diabetes across Nigeria.
