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While prosthetics are technically available across Nigeria, quality remains a pressing concern. For many amputees, particularly those requiring lower-limb prosthetics, the difference between mobility and immobility often depends not just on access, but on the skill of the prosthetist and the affordability of the device.
Availability vs. Quality
According to Mr. Chinedu Onyenucheya, CEO of Goldville Prosthetics and Orthotics Limited, the problem isn’t whether prosthetics exist in Nigeria—they do. The real issue is quality.
“Almost anyone can claim to make prosthetics,” Onyenucheya explained. “But what matters is the skill behind the work. Too many amputees receive devices that injure them, bruise their stumps, or fail within days. I’ve seen patients abandon expensive prosthetics altogether and return to crutches.”
Causes of Amputation in Nigeria
Although no comprehensive national database exists, experience from clinics like Goldville shows that diabetes is the leading cause of amputation in Nigeria, particularly diabetic gangrene. Lower-limb amputations dominate patient cases, while upper-limb prosthetics remain rarer due to their complexity.
Accidents and vascular conditions account for other cases, but diabetes remains the primary driver. Because of the condition’s impact on wound healing, prosthetists must be especially careful in selecting and fitting devices for diabetic patients to avoid further complications or re-amputations.
The Cost of Prosthetics
Prices in Nigeria vary dramatically depending on components and their country of origin. At the low end, a below-knee prosthetic made with basic Chinese components may cost around ₦600,000. At the high end, advanced German-made prosthetics can reach up to ₦25 million—beyond the reach of most Nigerians.
“The biggest factor is the exchange rate,” Onyenucheya said. “We import nearly everything, from Germany, China, or the U.S., so currency fluctuations directly affect the cost.”
If local production were possible, Onyenucheya believes costs could fall drastically, with some devices priced as low as ₦100,000–₦200,000. However, no Nigerian company currently manufactures prosthetic components. Potential investors remain hesitant, citing concerns about demand and market size.
Regional Context
Nigeria is not alone in this struggle. Across Africa, affordability and the shortage of skilled prosthetists pose major challenges. Patients from countries like Ghana and Cameroon often travel to Nigeria, not necessarily because of lower costs, but because there are more trained specialists available.
Who Can Afford Prosthetics?
For now, high-quality prosthetics remain the preserve of the wealthy and upper middle class. The majority of amputees from low-income backgrounds are excluded by price.
Goldville, like some other centers, tries to bridge this gap with flexible payment plans, allowing patients to pay in installments. The company is also open to collaborations with NGOs to make prosthetics more accessible.
Psychological Burden
Beyond financial and medical challenges, amputation carries a heavy psychological toll. Many patients fall into depression. To address this, Goldville integrates counseling and social support into care, emphasizing that “life does not end after amputation.” The organization also offers home services in parts of Delta and Edo States to ease mobility difficulties for patients unable to travel.
Policy Gaps and the Role of Insurance
Currently, most Nigerians pay out of pocket for prosthetic care. There is little to no coverage from health insurance schemes, leaving amputees without meaningful financial support.
“The government should pay more attention to disability, especially financing for amputees,” Onyenucheya stressed. He highlighted the need for stronger policies, better training, and investment in both manpower and infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
Prosthetics in Nigeria remain at a crossroads: availability is not the problem, but quality, affordability, and systemic support are. Local production, better training, and improved financing models could transform the sector, opening the door for thousands of amputees to regain independence and dignity.
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