A leading medical expert, Prof. Zubairu Iliyasu of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, has raised the alarm over Nigeria’s growing diabetes burden, revealing that more than 11 million Nigerians are currently living with the condition — with many more likely undiagnosed.
Prof. Iliyasu made the disclosure while delivering the keynote address at the 14th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Clinical Endocrinologists of Nigeria (ACEN), held in Kano on Thursday.
Speaking on the theme “Endocrinology and Public Health,” the professor stressed that the rising prevalence of diabetes and obesity in the country poses a serious public health threat. He called for urgent and widespread public enlightenment to encourage lifestyle changes that can prevent and manage non-communicable diseases.
“The numbers are staggering, and what’s more concerning is the rate of undiagnosed cases,” Iliyasu said. “We must adopt a collective approach focused on education, prevention, and early detection.”
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Musa Borodo, also decried the high cost of healthcare delivery in the country, noting that many Nigerians are unable to access treatment for chronic conditions like diabetes. He emphasised the need for sustainable policies aimed at reducing disease burden through prevention and public health awareness.
In his welcome address, ACEN President, Dr. Williams Balogun, appealed to the government and key stakeholders to increase investment in the fight against non-communicable diseases. He said the conference would spotlight cutting-edge research and practical solutions to tackle diabetes and obesity across Nigeria.
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“This gathering offers a platform to share knowledge and develop a coordinated national response to these health challenges,” Balogun said.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, declared the conference open. He applauded ACEN’s efforts and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to partnerships that promote public health.
Gov. Yusuf urged participants to generate tangible resolutions that would help reverse the disturbing trends in diabetes and obesity rates in Nigeria.
The high-level conference drew participants from across the country, all converging in Kano to share expertise, innovations, and strategies for tackling the twin health challenges.