# Rising chronic kidney disease in Nigeria

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rising-chronic-kidney-disease-in-nigeria
> Updated: 2026-10-20T02:58:38.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Global data indicates a significant rise in chronic kidney disease (CKD), with an estimated 359 million cases reported in 2021, marking a 90.65% increase since 1990. This trend is largely driven by metabolic risk factors, such as diabetic kidney disease.

In Nigeria, health experts have identified the situation as a major public health epidemic. While CKD in developed nations typically affects older populations, the disease in Nigeria is increasingly impacting individuals between the ages of 20 and 50. Primary drivers include hypertension, diabetes, glomerulonephritis, and sickle cell disease, with environmental factors like hydrocarbon exposure also contributing to the risk.

Medical professionals report that over 9,000 new cases of end-stage kidney failure are diagnosed monthly in Nigeria. Experts attribute this surge to lifestyle changes, including excessive alcohol consumption, the use of frozen foods, and the indiscriminate use of medications. With non-communicable diseases accounting for approximately 28 percent of all deaths in Nigeria in 2021, medical practitioners are urging regular screenings to detect these ‘silent killers’ early.

## Claims

- More than 9,000 new cases of end-stage kidney failure are diagnosed in Nigeria every month. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Hypertension and diabetes are leading causes of kidney failure among young people. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Non-communicable diseases accounted for approximately 28 percent of all deaths in Nigeria in 2021. (single source)
- According to a 2023 national survey, 22.9 percent of adults in Nigeria have hypertension. (single source)
- A 2024 review estimated that roughly seven percent of adults have type 2 diabetes. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: Nigeria faces rising kidney disease cases, experts warn

Medical experts warn of an epidemic of kidney failure in Nigeria, with over 9,000 new monthly cases reported. Hypertension and diabetes are cited as primary drivers of the rising disease rates.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-faces-rising-kidney-disease-cases-experts-warn

### 2026-10-08: Chronic kidney disease rates rise globally and impact Nigeria

Global studies show a massive rise in chronic kidney disease among women, while experts warn that an estimated 25.4 million adults in Nigeria may be living with the condition.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chronic-kidney-disease-rates-rise-globally-and-impact-nigeria

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Cite as: Rising chronic kidney disease in Nigeria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rising-chronic-kidney-disease-in-nigeria