Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – A cardiovascular researcher, Aminat Dosunmu, warns that Nigeria faces a growing surge in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) driven by rapid urbanisation, lifestyle changes, and poor health-seeking habits.
In a statement issued Friday, she says CVDs now account for 10 per cent of annual deaths, citing World Health Organisation estimates.
Dosunmu identifies uncontrolled hypertension as the strongest driver, contributing to more than half of all cardiovascular cases nationwide. She describes hypertension as a “silent epidemic” prevalent in both rural and urban communities due to sedentary lifestyles, high salt intake, chronic stress, obesity, and limited access to regular medical checks.
She warns that only 25 per cent of Nigerians with hypertension are aware of their condition, leading to undiagnosed progression of heart failure, stroke, and other complications.
Dosunmu urges the federal government to fully implement the National Multisectoral Action Plan for NCD Prevention and Control and intensify public campaigns promoting non-smoking habits, reduced sodium intake, increased physical activity, and healthier diets.
She also calls for major investment in biomedical research and proposes the creation of a National Cardiovascular Research Consortium to coordinate long-term studies, genomic research, and precision medicine tailored to Nigeria’s population.
To curb rising risks, she recommends nationwide blood-pressure and glucose screening, along with strengthened clinical infrastructure. She also highlights urgent needs in capacity building, including expanded residency programmes and specialised fellowships in cardiovascular molecular science.
“With targeted investments and strategic reforms, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in cardiovascular innovation in Africa,” she says.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
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Hussaini Ibrahim