Nigeria is grappling with a growing public health crisis as new data reveals that over 4,252 people died in 2024 alone due to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), costing the country a staggering ₦17 trillion in economic losses. This grim statistic highlights the urgent need for a coordinated national response to tackle diseases that are often overlooked in favour of more headline-grabbing epidemics.

The figures were disclosed by the National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR) coalition during a policy roundtable in Abuja, where experts, government officials, and civil society organisations gathered to address the economic and health burden posed by NCDs. These diseases include hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory illnesses, and certain cancers — many of which are preventable or manageable with lifestyle adjustments and early detection.

The Hidden Epidemic

Non-Communicable Diseases have long flown under the radar in Nigeria’s public health response, which has largely focused on infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and most recently, COVID-19. However, NCDs are now responsible for nearly 29% of all deaths in the country, with their incidence sharply rising due to changes in diet, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco and alcohol use, and lack of access to quality healthcare.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs have become the leading cause of premature deaths globally, and Nigeria is no exception. Experts warn that without urgent intervention, the situation could worsen as the population ages and urbanisation increases unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Economic Cost

The ₦17 trillion loss represents both direct and indirect economic impacts — including healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and the long-term effects of chronic illness on the workforce. Dr. Adamu Alhassan, a public health economist at the event, noted that, “We are not just losing lives; we are bleeding economically. People are unable to work, businesses are affected, and the cost of treating these diseases is pushing families into poverty.”

The ripple effect of this burden is felt across sectors. Employers lose millions in working hours, families are drained by out-of-pocket expenditures for medication and treatment, and the already overstretched healthcare system struggles to cope with increasing demand.

Sugar, Lifestyle, and Government Policy

A key driver of the surge in NCDs, according to the NASR coalition, is the unregulated consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). With the market for sugary drinks growing rapidly, health advocates are calling for tougher policies and expanded taxation to curb excessive intake.

In 2021, the Federal Government introduced a ₦10 per litre SSB tax under the Finance Act, aimed at discouraging consumption and generating revenue for healthcare. While this marked a significant step forward, stakeholders now argue that the tax is too low to make a meaningful impact. Many are pushing for an upward review to at least ₦30 per litre, in line with global health recommendations.

“The tax has not achieved its public health purpose because it is not high enough to deter consumption,” said Chioma Ibe, a nutrition advocate with the NASR coalition. “We must see this as a health emergency. Increasing the SSB tax will not only help reduce sugar intake but also generate vital funds to support the treatment and prevention of NCDs.”

Policy Recommendations

At the roundtable, experts called for a comprehensive national strategy to combat NCDs. Among the key recommendations were:

• Higher Sugar Tax: Increase the existing tax on sugary beverages to at least ₦30 per litre to reduce consumption and fund healthcare initiatives.

• Nutrition Labelling and Public Education: Mandate clearer food labelling and launch awareness campaigns to help citizens make healthier choices.

• Early Screening and Detection: Establish mobile health clinics and invest in early detection programs, especially in rural areas.

• Subsidised Care for NCD Patients: Provide free or subsidised access to medication and diagnostics for diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

• Inclusion in National Health Insurance: Prioritise NCD treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to reduce out-of-pocket spending.

The Human Toll

Beyond the statistics, the impact of NCDs is deeply personal. At the event, 46-year-old Fatima Bello shared her story of battling Type 2 diabetes without access to affordable medication. “There were times I had to choose between buying insulin and feeding my children,” she said. “We need more support from the government. This is a slow and silent killer.”

Looking Ahead

With a rising death toll and economic losses in the trillions, Nigeria can no longer afford to treat NCDs as a secondary concern. The health system must shift to preventive care, responsible taxation, and greater support for at-risk communities. Stakeholders agree: the time to act is now.

If nothing changes, experts warn that deaths will continue to rise, healthcare costs will soar, and more families will be pushed into poverty — all due to diseases that are largely preventable with the right policies and public health commitment.