24/09/2026
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR KIDNEYS?
By Dr Safiya S Musa
Something concerning appears to be happening across parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly Yobe, Borno and Jigawa States, and I believe we need to start talking about it.
A 2025 study of haemodialysis centres serving these three states examined 376 patients receiving dialysis. Researchers found geographical clustering of severe kidney disease, with Bade and Jakusko LGAs in Yobe State standing out particularly.
Other concentrations were observed in Askira-Uba and Gwoza in Borno State, and Hadejia in Jigawa State.
Even more concerning, 18.6% of the dialysis patients studied had no identified underlying cause for their kidney disease.
Researchers noted that the geographical pattern appeared to follow communities around the River Yobe/Kumadugu-Yobe corridor, raising an important question about possible environmental factors.
And now, emerging research is examining water sources in the Hadejia Valley, including communities in Yobe and Jigawa, for heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic.
Let me emphasise:
This does NOT mean that the water has been established as the cause of kidney disease.
But surely, these findings are enough to warrant a comprehensive public-health investigation.
We need:
• Large-scale kidney screening in affected communities
• Comprehensive and repeated testing of drinking-water sources
• Mapping of CKD cases across communities and LGAs
• Investigation of environmental and occupational exposures
• Better surveillance of hypertension and diabetes
• Research into cases where the cause of kidney failure remains unknown
• Greater access to early diagnosis and nephrology services
And while the scientists investigate, we must also protect ourselves.
Know your numbers.
Check your blood pressure.
Check your blood sugar.
Ask about kidney-function tests when appropriate.
Avoid indiscriminate use of painkillers and unregulated herbal preparations.
And please don’t wait until you are seriously ill before seeking medical attention.
Kidney disease can remain silent until substantial damage has occurred.
There are questions here that deserve answers.
Why are particular communities recording these cases?
What are people being exposed to?
And most importantly, what can we do to prevent more Nigerians from progressing to kidney failure?
This should concern all of us.
We need answers. We need research. We need action..backed by science.
~ Queen Saphy GSFR
