Diabetes At Sea: How 15 Million Nigerians Including Apapa Dockworkers, Seafarers, Kano Truck Drivers Struggle For Insulin — EMSON Cries Out From Abuja.
By Okwo Romeon — Abuja | Nigeria Anchorage | Humanitarian. Behind every diabetes statistic is a dockworker at Apapa who can't afford insulin , a seafarer at Lagos Anchorage who skips glucose checks, and a truck driver moving containers from Apapa to Kano who faints on the road. That was the message from the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria (EMSON) at its 47th AGM in Abuja, Sept 23-25, 2026. Chairperson of the Opening Ceremony of the 47th EMSON AGMSC Dr Adedolapo Fasawe and the EMSON President Prof Andrew E Uloko . The Numbers — Maritime Workers Hit Hard EMSON President Prof. Andrew Uloko said 6-7% of Nigerians — about 15 million people — have diabetes, many undiagnosed. In maritime, the burden is heavier: Apapa dockworkers : 12-hour shifts, energy drinks, no routine screening — Many discover diabetes after leg ulcer, amputation Seafarers at Lagos Anchorage : Months at sea, no specialist, limited insulin storage on vessels — One diabetic rating told EMSON:...