Posted on: Thu 12-03-2026

As the world marks World Kidney Day, caregivers and health experts in Nigeria have raised concern over the rising cost of kidney care, warning that expensive treatment is becoming a major factor determining survival for patients with renal disease.

Investigations show that the cost of dialysis in many hospitals now ranges between N50,000 and N80,000 per session, while kidney transplant procedures cost between N25 million and N30 million, depending on the hospital and location.

In recognition of the growing burden, the Federal Government last year introduced a subsidy for dialysis in selected public centres, reducing the cost to about N12,000 per session in 10 facilities nationwide. However, caregivers say the intervention remains insufficient as many patients still pay out-of-pocket for treatment.

According to the World Health Organization, kidney disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally. Data from the International Society of Nephrology indicate that more than 850 million people worldwide are living with some form of kidney disease, a figure higher than those living with diabetes, cancer, or HIV.

In Nigeria, experts estimate that about 25 million people are affected by Chronic Kidney Disease, with roughly 45,000 deaths recorded annually.

Cost burden rising

The immediate past President of the Nephrology Association of Nigeria, Prof. Jacob Awobusuyi, said kidney care remains expensive, particularly for patients with stage-five kidney disease who depend on regular dialysis to survive.

He explained that most patients require dialysis two to three times weekly, meaning an average of N150,000 or more may be spent every week.

According to him, beyond the transplant cost of up to N30 million, patients must also spend between N600,000 and N700,000 monthly on immunosuppressant drugs in the early period after surgery to prevent organ rejection.

Awobusuyi noted that Nigeria currently has just over 200 dialysis centres and about 800 functional dialysis machines, far below the estimated 5,000 machines required to meet the growing demand.

He identified diabetes, hypertension and glomerulonephritis as major risk factors for kidney disease, while other causes include HIV, hepatitis, sickle cell disorder, prostate enlargement, congenital abnormalities, environmental toxins and drug abuse.

Late detection worsening outcomes

Consultant nephrologist at the University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Prof. Babatunde Salako, said the burden of kidney disease has gradually increased over the past two decades, partly due to lifestyle changes and the rising prevalence of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Salako, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, explained that improved awareness campaigns have also led to better detection, giving the impression that the disease is rising faster than before.

He noted that most dialysis materials and transplant equipment are imported, making treatment costs highly dependent on exchange rates.

“More than a decade ago dialysis cost about N20,000 to N30,000 per session, but today many private hospitals charge between N50,000 and N80,000,” he said, adding that patients often require up to three sessions weekly, creating a heavy financial burden on families.

Salako also warned that kidney disease in Nigeria affects mostly people between the ages of 20 and 50, many of whom are breadwinners, thereby affecting household income and national productivity.

Shortage of specialists

Experts also expressed concern about the shortage of nephrologists in the country, blaming migration of health workers for the manpower gap.

Salako disclosed that during a recent recruitment exercise, the College of Medicine in Ibadan could not find a nephrologist to employ, adding that increasing admission into medical schools may not address the shortage for another five to six years.

He called for stronger government policies, improved funding and wider health insurance coverage to include dialysis and post-transplant drugs, which he said would significantly reduce out-of-pocket spending.

Call for expanded subsidy

Consultant nephrologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Theophilus Umeizudike, said the Federal Government’s dialysis subsidy is commendable but currently covers only a small fraction of hospitals offering renal care.

He said a patient who spends about N50,000 per session may require up to N6 million yearly for dialysis alone, excluding drugs, injections and other procedures.

Umeizudike urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures, including regular medical check-ups, healthy diet, reduced salt intake, exercise, adequate water intake and proper control of blood pressure and blood sugar.

Similarly, Prof. Aliyu Abdu of Bayero University Kano warned that excessive intake of processed foods and high-salt diets increases the risk of kidney damage, stressing that poor lifestyle habits continue to drive the rising burden of kidney failure in the country.

Health experts say without expanded subsidies, stronger insurance coverage and improved early detection, the cost of kidney care may continue to push life-saving treatment beyond the reach of many Nigerians.

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