Popular Nigerian music video director, TG Omori, has recounted the financial strain he experienced while undergoing treatment for kidney failure, revealing that the cost of regular dialysis could run into hundreds of thousands of naira every week.
Omori spoke about the experience during a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast aired on September 23, 2026, where he discussed the realities of living with kidney failure and the financial demands of treatment as he awaited a transplant.
The filmmaker said the cost of dialysis varies from one hospital to another, with some facilities charging between N50,000 and N70,000 for a single session.
However, he said his treatment at a private facility cost significantly more, with each session ranging from N150,000 to N200,000.
With patients potentially requiring as many as three dialysis sessions every week, Omori said the recurring medical expenses could rise to between N500,000 and N600,000 weekly.
He used the figures to illustrate the difficulty faced by Nigerians with limited incomes who require long-term treatment.
“So, a minimum-wage person is dead already on one session,” Omori said.
According to the music video director, the financial demands become even more daunting when treatment continues over an extended period while a patient waits for a kidney transplant.
He estimated that maintaining dialysis for approximately one year could cost as much as N31 million, excluding expenses associated with medical tests, medication and possible complications.
The filmmaker further explained that even a person earning N1 million monthly could struggle to sustain the treatment without additional financial support.
“So, automatically, if your salary is even one million naira a month, it can’t serve you,” he said.
Reflecting on his experience, Omori said the illness changed his perspective on the role of financial security during a major health crisis.
He noted that while money does not guarantee happiness, having adequate financial resources can make it possible for patients to access treatment and gain valuable time while seeking a long-term medical solution.
“Even though money can’t buy happiness, money can still buy some time,” Omori said.
His comments have again drawn attention to the financial challenges associated with prolonged treatment for kidney-related illnesses, particularly where patients require repeated dialysis while awaiting transplantation.