The ongoing #EndBadGovernanceProtest has highlighted the severe financial burdens faced by Nigerians, particularly those with chronic health conditions like diabetes.
Vice president of the Diabetes Association in Nigeria, Mr. Bernard Enyia discussed these challenges in an interview with journalists in Abuja.
Science Nigeria reports that #EndBadGovernance protesters are expected to continue their demonstrations across major states in Nigeria, protesting poor governance and economic hardship. This marks the second day of what organisers have dubbed the “#10daysofrage” demonstration.
Enyia exemplified the harsh reality of the country’s healthcare crisis. “A year ago, I managed my diabetes with a monthly budget of ₦70,000 for insulin and other medical expenses. Today, I spend over ₦180,000 each month—a figure that more than doubles Nigeria’s newly approved minimum wage,” he lamented.
He said that the increase in medical costs is unsustainable for many Nigerians. “In the face of an economic downturn, exacerbated by a weak Naira and skyrocketing inflation rates, the country is experiencing a surge in the prices of essential goods, including medications. For people living with diabetes, the situation is worse. Insulin, an essential life-saving medicine, has become a luxury many cannot afford. For most of the 11.2 million Nigerians living with diabetes, their monthly earnings are insufficient to cover necessities, and the price of treatment has become a death sentence,” he explained.
He emphasised that the majority of Nigerians simply cannot afford this. “As a result, many people living with diabetes have resorted to unorthodox medicine, rationing their medications, or abandoning them altogether, at the risk of life-threatening consequences,” he said.
He highlighted that diabetes complications are debilitating. “If poorly managed, the disease can damage blood vessels and lead to heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations. In recent times, insulin has undergone steep price hikes. Costs have more than doubled,” he said.
In Nigeria, where over 70 per cent of the population makes out-of-pocket payments for medical treatment, chronic illness often leaves families impoverished. “The World Health Organisation (WHO) links the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) to increased risks of type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Nigeria, one of the world’s largest consumers of sugary drinks, sold an estimated 38.6 million liters of SSBs in 2023 alone, generating a market value of $16.87 billion. Despite their health risks, these beverages remain accessible and affordable,” he said.
According to Enyia, diabetes is a disease that affects every organ in the body. For people living with the disease, it can mean extreme changes to every part of their lives. “In 2017, I lost my job as a health worker when my employer grew dissatisfied with my need for multiple hospital visits every month. My marriage has also suffered; diabetes-induced nerve damage complicates my ability to maintain an erection. I experience blood sugar spikes during long-distance travel, which can degenerate into life-threatening hyperglycemic episodes. I am also stigmatised by close friends and family who feel burdened by my condition,” he narrated.
In response to pressure from public health advocates, Nigeria introduced a ₦10 per litre SSB tax in 2021 through the Finance Act. “However, this tax rate, currently under two percent of the retail costs, falls below the WHO recommended standards of at least twenty per cent. This needs to be raised to effective levels. A higher SSB tax, adjusted for inflation, can deter consumption and help subsidise diabetes treatment, easing the financial burden on patients,” he said.
Health communications specialist at Gatefield, Ms. Omei Bongos highlighted the disparity in funding for public health emergencies. Bongos noted that while other health crises receive support from national and international actors, Nigeria provides no relief for people living with diabetes. Furthermore, she said the country does little to prevent diabetes through effective policies like sin taxes, nutritional labeling and public education.
“With a strong SSB tax policy in place, enough revenue can be generated to make insulin and other diabetes treatments accessible to all, saving the lives of millions of Nigerians burdened by this disease. The time to take action is now,” she said.
A school teacher, Mr. Ibrahim Babayaro said his health is a stark reminder of the broader issues plaguing the nation. The #EndBadGovernanceProtest calls for urgent reforms, highlighting the government’s failure to address healthcare affordability and access. “How can we talk about development when our people can’t afford basic medical care?” he questioned.
Babayaro argued that the protest underscores the need for comprehensive healthcare reform in Nigeria. He urged the government to subsidise essential medications and improve healthcare infrastructure to alleviate the financial burden on citizens.
As the #EndBadGovernanceProtest gains momentum, the plight of individuals struggling with the rising costs of managing chronic illnesses like diabetes becomes a rallying cry. The movement calls for systemic change to ensure that all Nigerians can afford essential healthcare, highlighting the intersection of governance, health and economic stability.
Tens of thousands of Nigerians are protesting under the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria banner, demanding better governance, an end to corruption, and relief from rising living costs. Beginning on August 1, 2024, the protests have led to violence in some areas, with curfews imposed in Kano and Yobe states. In Abuja, police used tear gas and gunfire to disperse crowds. As of Friday morning, Amnesty International reported at least 13 protesters killed and over 300 arrested.
