Kidney Disease Silent Epidemic In North East – NEDC

The rising cases of kidney disease, especially in the North East region, have triggered fresh concern among health experts, as the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Nigeria Association of Nephrology intensify efforts to curb the silent killer disease in the region.

At a one-day outreach held at the Jalingo Main Motor Park, to mark the 2026 World Kidney Day, the stakeholders said that if nothing urgent was done, the region would be plunged into a serious kidney disease crisis.

They said kidney-related illnesses were fast becoming a major public health challenge in the North East, driven largely by poor lifestyle choices and low and/or lack of awareness among the people.

This year’s kidney day celebration witnessed mass screening of motorists at the Jalingo park, including hawkers, food vendors, members of the NURTW and the park community. Some travellers, while waiting for other passengers, also took the liberty to know their kidney status.

The Taraba State coordinator of NEDC, Alhaji Adamu Lawal, said the intervention became necessary due to the alarming rate at which kidney diseases are being recorded across the region.

He said, the choice of the main motor park was because driver are among high risk groups in the society.

According to Lawal, the commission partnered with the Nigeria Association of Nephrology to provide free screening and to educate residents, particularly vulnerable groups, on preventive measures.

“We are witnessing increasing cases of kidney problems in the North-East. This is why we deemed it necessary to take awareness directly to the people and ensure they understand the risks and how to avoid them,” Lawal said.

He further noted that the park was deliberately selected to target commercial drivers and low-income earners, who are often exposed to unhealthy habits and have limited access to healthcare information.

Chief Consultant Nephrologist at Taraba State Specialist Hospital, Dr Yerima Sulaiman, described the situation as worrisome.

He stressed that kidney disease cases have risen sharply in the state and nationwide over the past few decades.

Dr Sulaiman then identified hypertension, diabetes, dehydration and poor dietary habits as leading contributors to kidney disease and warned that many Nigerians are unaware of the dangers to their health.

“Years ago, kidney disease was rare, but today, it is becoming one of the most common conditions in our hospitals. A large number of patients on admission are battling kidney-related issues,” the expert said.

He attributed the surge to excessive consumption of processed foods, abuse of seasonings and high intake of energy drinks, particularly among commercial drivers.

“It is dangerous that some drivers consume more than 10 energy drinks in a day without understanding the consequences. These habits are largely contributing to kidney damage,” he warned.

He further said that, without lifestyle changes and sustained awareness among the people, kidney disease could become a silent epidemic in the region, with devastating economic and health consequences for affected families.

Dr Sulaiman added that those diagnosed during the screening would be referred for proper treatment, as early detection remains critical to survival.

Also speaking, a Nephrology Nurse at the Taraba State Specialist Hospital’s Dialysis Unit, Jamila Sami Jibir, confirmed a steady rise in cases, noting that what was once rare has become increasingly common in our society today.

“Before now, we used to see very few cases of patients with kidney disease, but now, we diagnose seven patients weekly. The increase is largely due to lifestyle and what people consume daily,” she said.

Nr. Jibir cautioned against indiscriminate use of drugs and herbal medicine and urged residents to drink adequate water and to go for regular check-ups to enable them to stay healthy.

A beneficiary, a retired military officer, Sergeant G.Y. Abari said he came to the park after hearing the announcement on the radio. “Yesterday morning, while I was listening to my station, they announced that everyone should come to the park for a checkup, so I decided to come for my own checkup,” he said.

He commended NEDC for the timely intervention, saying: “To say the fact, I want to tell them ‘well done’ for a good job. The North East Development Commission is doing a good job, and they should keep it up and continue so that our nation will be freed from health troubles.”

Another beneficiary, Mrs Talatu Babuzo, said she and others left their farms after hearing the public announcement for free health checks.

“We were on the farm when we heard the announcement that anyone who was not feeling well should come and have their health checked, and that is why we came.

“We are very grateful for your visit and for the assistance you are giving us. May Almighty God reward you. What I want to say to those who came is that we truly appreciate you. May Almighty God bless and increase you all.