In a significant move to improve access to critical healthcare, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major subsidy on kidney dialysis treatment, reducing the cost per session from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000 in selected federal hospitals.
The policy, which represents an 80 percent subsidy, is part of the President’s broader healthcare reform under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at easing the financial burden on patients battling kidney disease.
Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the subsidy is already being implemented in 10 public health institutions across the country.
“This administration is committed to making quality healthcare affordable and accessible to all Nigerians,” Bwala said. “The subsidy on dialysis treatment is a direct intervention to save lives and support vulnerable citizens.”
Hospitals Benefiting from the Subsidy Include:
Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, Lagos,
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)
University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan
Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja
University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH)
University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)
University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH)
Federal Medical Centre, Owerri
Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta
Federal Medical Centre, Azare
The initiative was first launched earlier this year at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi State. Since its rollout, patients in the hospital have benefited from the reduced dialysis cost, with many expressing relief over the affordability of a treatment that previously left families financially drained.
Dr. Hammatu Haruna, manager of the renal centre at ATBUTH, described the subsidy as “a timely intervention that has already saved lives.” She revealed that over 900 dialyzers and additional dialysis machines have been provided by the government to support the programme.
Chronic kidney disease remains one of the most expensive health conditions to manage in Nigeria, with patients often requiring dialysis multiple times per week. Until now, the high cost of each session—averaging ₦50,000—had made it nearly impossible for many Nigerians to access consistent treatment.
“This move by the President will go a long way in reducing preventable deaths,” said Dr. Musa Illiyasu, a public health expert. “It is a bold step toward strengthening Nigeria’s weak healthcare infrastructure.”
The Nigerian government has also launched investigations into the rising cases of kidney failure in parts of the country, particularly in the northeast, where clusters of cases have raised public concern.
While the subsidy currently applies to 10 federal hospitals, there are growing calls for it to be extended to more public facilities, including those in underserved rural areas. Health experts have also urged the federal government to ensure sustained funding and monitoring to prevent abuse of the programme and guarantee its long-term impact.
