Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem. Despite the long term difficulties of this condition there is paucity of community derived data in sub-Saharan Africa and especially in Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa. This lack of data is hampering an appropriate response.

Methods Adults (aged ≥18 years) were randomly selected. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge of kidney disease. Clinical examination was undertaken including: anthropometry, blood pressure, fasting or random blood sugar, dipstick urinalysis, albumin to creatinine ratio and urine microscopy. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation.

Results The mean age of participants was 45.8±19.0 years with a male: female ratio 0.8:1. 19% consumed alcohol and 7% smoked. 20% used regular analgesia and 75% used herbal concoctions. The prevalence of hypertension was 30%, diabetes mellitus (DM) (3.7%), obesity (defined by BMI) 2.7% and elevated waist circumference (14.6%). Urine microscopy revealed: haematuria 3.1%, ova of Schistosoma haematobium 1.1% and macroalbuminuria (8.9%). An estimated GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m² occured in 12.3%. The prevalence of CKD was 18.8%. Increasing age (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.96), female gender (OR 4.87, 95% CI 1.34 to 17.74), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07) and DM (OR 15.76, 95% CI 1.25 to 199.24) were predictive of CKD.

Conclusion CKD and its risk factors are prevalent in this community. The majority had moderately impaired kidney function. There is need for both primary and secondary preventive programmes.