{
  "id": 4129989,
  "title": "How Nigerians pay more to stay alive",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/how-nigerians-pay-more-to-stay-alive",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-29T05:15:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/how-nigerians-pay-more-to-stay-alive/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Nigeria, an increasing number of citizens are adopting a proactive approach to healthcare, spending money on preventive measures instead of waiting for illnesses to strike and then seeking costly treatment. Weekend Trust research indicates that, from purchasing multivitamins and dietary supplements to investing in mosquito nets, engaging in physical activity, and consuming healthier meals, many Nigerians are prioritizing health maintenance over reactive, expensive care. This shift is more prominent among urban residents, professionals, and families, who prefer allocating funds towards maintaining their well-being rather than facing the financial strain of hospital treatment. Market data supports this emerging trend, with Euromonitor reporting a rise in consumer health product sales in Nigeria in 2025, with vitamins and dietary supplements performing well despite weak consumer purchasing power and price sensitivity. However, the shift towards preventive healthcare is not without challenges. While preventive measures like multivitamins, supplements, quality mosquito nets, gym memberships, and regular health check-ups may seem costly, they are seen as a prudent investment by those who have experienced the financial burden of illnesses. For some Nigerians, the decision to invest in preventive health is driven by personal experiences and the understanding that the costs of hospital bills, drugs, and investigations could far outweigh the expenses of preventive actions. This change in perspective is reflective of a healthcare system where Nigerians bear a significant share of medical expenses, with out-of-pocket spending accounting for 71 percent of health expenditure in 2023, according to the Commonwealth Fund's 2026 profile of Nigeria. For many, preventive spending is viewed as a form of financial protection against potential health crises. Joseph Bukola, an Abuja resident who spends around N60,000 monthly on exercise, healthier meals, and vitamins, sees this expenditure as more cost-effective than managing chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes. Similarly, Chioma, a mother of two, spends between N15,000 and N40,000 monthly on multivitamins and other health-promoting products to safeguard her family's health. Despite price increases, she remains committed to preventive measures, highlighting the growing visibility and demand for dietary supplements across pharmacies, supermarkets, online retailers, and wellness businesses. These supplements cater to a variety of health concerns, from boosting immunity and improving energy to maintaining healthy skin and supporting reproductive health. However, health professionals caution that indiscriminate use of supplements can lead to harmful consequences, such as excessive intake of certain nutrients or interactions with medications. Therefore, while the trend towards preventive healthcare is gaining traction, it is crucial for Nigerians to approach it with informed guidance to avoid potential risks associated with supplement misuse.",
  "summary": "For years, the familiar approach to health care for many Nigerians was simple – wait until illness strikes, then look for money to treat it. But as the cost of medicines, hospital consultations, laboratory tests and other medical services continues to rise, a growing number of Nigerians are beginning to rethink that approach. Weekend Trust […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}