Nigerians are spending over $1.26 billion annually on treatments for cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and diabetes, which collectively account for nearly 30% of all deaths in the country. This alarming statistic underscores the growing financial and health burden non-communicable diseases (NCDs) impose on households and the healthcare system.
The Healthy Food Policy Youth Vanguard (HFPYV), a volunteer group advocating for food justice and public health, revealed these findings in a statement signed by its representative, Afeez Adebayo. The group highlighted that out-of-pocket (OOP) healthcare expenses and lost productivity due to hospitalization have significantly worsened the economic strain on Nigerian families.
According to the latest National Health Accounts data, the average Nigerian household affected by NCDs spends approximately $398.52 per year on medical care. Cumulatively, Nigerians are forced to allocate more than $1.26 billion yearly to address these health conditions, plunging many families into financial distress and deepening the cycle of poverty.
HFPYV warned that the situation is particularly troubling given Nigeria’s demographic structure. Worldometer data indicates that about 70% of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 30, while 42% are under 15 years old. This youthful population should serve as an asset for national development, but instead, it is becoming a lucrative target for multinational corporations profiting from unhealthy dietary habits.
The organization called for urgent government intervention, particularly from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, to protect young Nigerians from aggressive marketing strategies employed by major food and beverage companies. These corporations flood the market with sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and ultra-processed foods, which are linked to obesity, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases.
One key preventive measure introduced by the Federal Government is the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax, designed to curb excessive consumption of sugary drinks and reduce related health risks. However, HFPYV insists that the current tax rate of ₦10 per litre is insufficient and advocates for an increase to ₦130 per litre to deter mass consumption and promote healthier alternatives.
“We are calling the attention of the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, to a disturbing trend of food corporations relentlessly targeting young Nigerians with sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods that are high in sodium and sugar,” the statement read. “The excessive consumption of these products erodes public health, leading to increased cases of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.”
HFPYV further condemned misleading advertising campaigns designed to manipulate young people into forming unhealthy dietary habits. The group emphasized that without decisive action, Nigeria’s youth would remain highly vulnerable to the long-term health consequences of poor nutrition, ultimately affecting the country’s workforce, economy, and healthcare system.
In light of these concerns, health experts are urging the government to prioritize preventive healthcare strategies, strengthen regulations on food advertising, and promote policies that encourage healthier dietary choices among Nigerians.
As the burden of NCDs continues to rise, urgent collaboration between policymakers, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups is necessary to curb the devastating impact on individuals and the nation’s economy. The need for sustainable healthcare financing, public awareness, and regulatory measures has never been more critical.
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