Health
Non-communicable diseases claim 684,000 Nigerians – Stakeholders react

The recent report that over 684,000 Nigerians die from non communicable diseases, NCDs, annually, is a source of concern.
Non communicable diseases are diseases that are not contagious. Most Nigerians have been battling with communicable or infectious diseases like cholera, Human Immuno Virus, HIV, tuberculosis among others.
Such diseases have, however, attracted public attention as they are always in the news.
But, not many pay attention to the non communicable diseases.
However, the staggering number of casualties of non communicable diseases was brought to the front burner by the Lead Strategist of Gatefield, Adewunmi Emoruwa, in Abuja recently at a two-day health summit organised by Gatefield.
Speaking at the summit entitled, “Beyond65: Preventing the Quiet Epidemic,” Emoruwa decried the devastating negative impacts of non communicable diseases, which he said claims over 684,000 lives annually in Nigeria.
He said: “NCDs are responsible for over 684,000 deaths annually in Nigeria. This is equivalent to wiping out an entire population of Luxembourg every single year. This preventable crisis can no longer be ignored.”
He revealed that the NCD-related deaths in Nigeria have increased from 24 percent in 2010 to 29 percent at present.
Gatefield, also launched a new health strategy to tackle the growing crisis of NCDs in Nigeria, where life expectancy averages just 52 years.
Listing what he described as the driving factors for the NCDs’ quiet epidemic, Emoruwa attributed the crisis to the dangerous rise of unhealthy diets such as foods and beverages containing added-sugars, excessive salt consumption, alcohol and tobacco use, and environmental pollution.
He said Nigerians consume 4.9 servings of sugary drinks per week, nearly double the global average.
Salt intake is dangerously high at 5.8 grammes per day, above the World Health Organisation, WHO, recommended level.
“Nigeria has a high prevalence of heavy episodic drinking at 27.3 percent, and without intervention, smoking rates in Africa are projected to rise by 30 percent by 2030“Around 48 million Nigerians are not physically active enough, increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease,” he said.
He said that there was a need to tackle tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle and ensure behaviour change among others.
He said: “NCDs, like cancer and heart diseases, are not death sentences if caught early. But too often, people don’t recognise the signs, don’t get tested, and seek help only when it’s too late.
“The government must invest in messaging. The government shouldn’t wait for the WHO; they shouldn’t wait for the UN. The government needs to bring the money out.
”In her contribution, the Gatefield’s Board Co-chair, Sa’adatu Hamu-Aliyu, said the average Nigerian does not live past the age of 52 and the average African does not live past the age of 64.
She said: “Compare this to Europe, Japan, and Canada, where life expectancy exceeds 80 years.
This means that an average person in the developed world is likely to live at least 20 years longer than their fellow humans in low and middle income populations.
”She said Gatefield’s health strategy outlines five key interventions aimed at reducing preventable deaths and improving life expectancy.
“They are fixing our national diet, taking down tobacco, and supporting mental health among others.
”She added that Gatefield’s strategy would push for policies that encourage routine screenings, public health education, and stronger enforcement of regulations on ultra-processed foods, sugar sweetened beverages, and harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol.
On solutions to addressing the issue, the former Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera, called for a robust government’s policy.
“A robust policy and structure will be a combination of hard and soft infrastructure in the forms of both physical structures such as facilities and equipment, and soft ones such as sufficiently trained human capital who recognise their roles and obligations as caregivers and institutions to ensure accountability,” he said.
Throwing more light on the subject of discussion, Dr. Uche Okenyi of Nova’s Place Hospital, Festac, Lagos, further described non communicable diseases as chronic non transmittable diseases which can manifest as a result of genetics, environmental factors, lifestyles, among others.
He gave examples to include but not limited to hypertension, asthma, cancer, sickle cell diseases, stroke, among others.
“These types of diseases contrast with diseases which can be transmitted from person to person, for example cholera, tuberculosis, HIV, among others,” he added.
He offered insight into how the 684, 000 annual death figure can be reduced.
He believes that if the number of annual deaths from non communicable diseases in Nigeria must be reduced drastically, both the government and individuals have roles to play.
Health
Lagos Shuts Down YABATECH Sewage Plant Over Unauthorized Waste Discharge

The Lagos State Government has sealed the sewage and wastewater treatment facility at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) following allegations that the institution was discharging raw, untreated sewage into the environment in violation of state environmental laws.
The enforcement action was carried out by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), operating under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, after the college reportedly ignored multiple warning letters and failed to address long-standing environmental compliance issues.
Announcing the development, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the college’s actions constituted a serious breach of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017. The law explicitly prohibits the discharge of untreated wastewater or sewage into public drains, canals, or any part of the natural environment.
“The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office has sealed off the non-functional sewage and wastewater treatment facility of Yaba College of Technology due to its illegal discharge of raw sewage into the environment,” Wahab said in a statement.
He described the situation as a major public health risk, noting that untreated human waste contributes to the contamination of water sources, the spread of waterborne diseases, and general environmental degradation. Wahab emphasized that institutions, whether public or private, are not exempt from compliance with environmental laws and standards.
“Illegal discharge of wastewater not only endangers the health of residents but also undermines our efforts to maintain a sustainable, safe, and flood-resilient Lagos. The state government has zero tolerance for environmental infractions and will continue to enforce compliance,” the commissioner said.
#ZeroToleranceLagos Campaign
The sealing of YABATECH’s facility forms part of the state’s ongoing #ZeroToleranceLagos campaign—an initiative aimed at holding individuals, businesses, and institutions accountable for environmental violations. According to the Ministry, the campaign is designed to protect public health, improve environmental quality, and reduce pollution across Lagos.
Officials from the Wastewater Management Office said they had repeatedly engaged YABATECH’s management before resorting to enforcement. Technical guidance and timelines for achieving compliance were provided, but the institution allegedly failed to take corrective action.
Broader Enforcement Actions Across Lagos
In a related development, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has continued its crackdown on environmental violators across the state. On Thursday, the agency sealed 11 establishments in the Ikorodu area for various infractions, including persistent noise pollution, improper waste disposal, and failure to obtain necessary environmental permits.
The affected businesses include bars, hotels, lounges, and industrial facilities. Among those sealed are Zero Square Bar & Lounge, Limpex Resources, Starex Poly, Skipper Nigeria Ltd, NDO Hotel & Suites, Beechwood Guest House, Embassy Lounge, and A-Star Pencil.
The enforcement operation targeted several key areas in Ikorodu, such as Agodo Gas Line, Odogunyan Industrial Layout, Ita Oluwo Junction, Haruna, Ipakodo Road, and Ebute.
LASEPA stated that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to promote environmental responsibility and ensure that all sectors adhere to the state’s environmental protection framework.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to creating a healthier and more livable environment for its residents. Officials say that environmental compliance is central to the state’s climate resilience agenda and a critical step toward achieving its goals for a cleaner, greener Lagos.
Commissioner Wahab urged all public institutions, private companies, and individuals to align with the state’s environmental policies, warning that non-compliance would attract strict penalties, including fines, facility closures, and potential legal action.
“Lagos is committed to enforcing all existing environmental laws. Institutions must lead by example, and no one is above the law when it comes to protecting our environment,” Wahab added.
The situation at YABATECH serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental negligence and the growing resolve of the Lagos State Government to ensure strict enforcement of environmental standards across the state.
Health
JUST IN: Doctors in FCT Commence Indefinite Strike Over Outstanding Issues

The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration on Monday began an indefinite strike on Monday.
This was disclosed in a communique issued by the ARD-FCT on Monday, signed by its President, Dr. George Ebong, and General-Secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong.
The association had embarked on a seven-day warning strike last Monday to press home its demands, following months of unresolved negotiations with the FCTA.
Details later.
Health
Overworked RSUTH Resident Doctor Slump, Dies on Duty
What happened is that he was on call in the Emergency Room. Afterward, he went to the call room to rest, and it was there that he died. Unfortunately, he was the only one attending to the patients.

Dr Oluwafemi Rotifa, a young resident doctor at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) collapsed and died after a gruelling 72-hour call duty.
Ohibaba.com reliably gathered that the deceased doctor, fondly called Femoski by colleagues, was a former President of the Port Harcourt University Medical Students’ Association, PUMSA, and was registered with the United Kingdom’s General Medical Council, awaiting placement abroad.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, who confirmed Rotifa’s death, said that the deceased doctor had been on continuous call duty for three days in the Emergency Room before he retreated to the call room to rest.
It was there that he slumped and later died, despite efforts to resuscitate him in the Intensive Care Unit.
“What happened is that he was on call in the Emergency Room. Afterward, he went to the call room to rest, and it was there that he died. Unfortunately, he was the only one attending to the patients.
“The overuse of manpower strained his health and led to this painful death. It was a death on duty,” Osundara lamented.
-
Crime2 days ago
Indonesia to Repatriate British Grandmother on Death Row, Says Official
-
News2 days ago
Customs Launch Digital Vehicle Verification Platform to Combat Smuggling
-
Crime3 days ago
Bauchi: Boy,17, plucks sister’s eyes for money ritual
-
News2 days ago
Moniepoint Managers Break Silence on $200M ‘Miraculous’ Fundraise Backed by DPI, Google, Visa, IFC & LeapFrog
-
Sports3 days ago
Glasgow Rangers appoint Rohl as new manager
-
Business2 days ago
How to Market and Sell Real Estate in Nigeria as a New Agent
-
Sports3 days ago
Dembele returns for PSG after six weeks out
-
Crime4 hours ago
BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Sacks All Lawyers, To Represent Himself