In commemoration of World Hypertension Day, the Managing Director of May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr. Patrick Ajah, has raised concerns over the alarming rise in undiagnosed hypertension in Nigeria, describing it as a silent contributor to increasing cases of heart attacks and sudden deaths. Speaking during a blood pressure screening and awareness campaign hosted by the company, Ajah warned that many Nigerians are walking around with dangerously high blood pressure without any knowledge, largely because they only seek medical attention after serious health complications arise.
“Most of the people we are going to check today will discover their blood pressure is very high, and they didn’t even know it. This is why regular monitoring is key,” Ajah said. He also highlighted the challenges of access to hypertension medication, made worse by currency devaluation, which has significantly driven up the prices of drugs, even those produced locally. Ajah further debunked a common myth about hypertension treatment, cautioning that blood pressure medications are typically a lifelong necessity once prescribed.
On policy, Ajah commended the federal government’s recent waiver on customs duties for pharmaceutical raw materials, as well as the proposed drug pool fund, describing them as “fantastic steps.” However, he stressed the need for payment consistency, warning that past experiences of unpaid debts have driven several local pharmaceutical firms into collapse.
“If you make us reduce prices and don’t pay us, we won’t be able to sustain production. That’s how companies collapse,” he said. He explained that customs duty waivers alone can save manufacturers over ₦20 million per container, a huge relief for an industry battling high operating costs.
In addition to pharmaceuticals, Ajah emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and annual checkups, especially for individuals over 40 or those with a family history of hypertension or diabetes. The event, held in Lagos, featured participation from officials of Ikeja Local Government Area, Lagos State Ministry of Health, and LAWMA, including:
- Dr. Modupe Okoh – Director of Medical Services, Health and Safety, LAWMA
- Dr. Folashade Tawak – Medical Officer of Health, Ikeja LGA
- Mrs. Olusola Adenariwo – Deputy Director, Community Health Services
- Mrs. Adeseun – Director, Planning, Research & Statistics, Health District VI
- Mrs. Olakunmi Agboibon – Principal Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety Officer
Ajah concluded by calling for affordable, accessible medication and consistent public health engagement as key strategies in combating hypertension — a silent but deadly killer affecting millions of Nigerians.
