Nigeria records a 44% drop in polio cases as NEC urges states to sustain funding and accelerate efforts for complete polio eradication in Nigeria.
Nigeria has achieved another major milestone in the ongoing health campaign as the National Economic Council (NEC) announced a 44 percent drop in polio cases nationwide, reaffirming the country’s determination toward complete polio eradication in Nigeria.
The announcement came after the NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where members commended the progress and urged all state governments to sustain funding for immunisation campaigns across the country.
Chairman of the NEC Ad-hoc Committee on Polio Eradication and Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, briefed journalists after the meeting, revealing that between June and October 2025, the committee strengthened coordination among states and health partners.
According to Yahaya, epidemiological data indicates a remarkable decline in circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVPV2) — from 109 cases in 2024 to 61 cases in 2025, representing a 44 percent reduction.
He said several states have made exceptional progress.
“Kano and Katsina recorded 89 percent and 88 percent reductions in cases, respectively,” Yahaya noted.
“However, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi reported minor increases — eight, four, and two new cases — highlighting the need for sustained vigilance.”
He added that Gombe State has remained completely free of new infections, a testament to strengthened community engagement and surveillance.
Governor Yahaya highlighted the success of the In-Between Round Activities (IBRA), which boosted vaccination coverage across the country. Settlements reached increased from 77 percent in August to 97 percent in September, while immunisation in insecure areas rose to 90 percent.
He said these gains were further enhanced through the National Integrated Campaign, launched by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on October 6, 2025.
“As of October 12, about 60 percent of the targeted settlements were reached, with 73 percent of children vaccinated against polio and 57 percent against measles-rubella,” Yahaya stated.
The second phase of the campaign, launched on October 18 in Gombe State, focuses on combined immunisation for polio, measles-rubella, and malaria, along with interventions against neglected tropical diseases.
Yahaya stressed that this comprehensive approach was critical to achieving lasting polio eradication in Nigeria and ensuring every child receives lifesaving vaccines regardless of location or security challenges.
According to Yahaya, the nationwide campaign targets five high-risk northern states — Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara — where the risk of transmission remains elevated.
“The Council reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing eradication drive and called on states to promptly release funds to their health structures,” he said.
“Sustaining financial support is essential to prevent resurgence and achieve total victory over the disease.”
He added that continuous monitoring, strong political will, and community participation remain central to the ultimate goal of polio eradication in Nigeria.
Beyond health discussions, the NEC reviewed Nigeria’s fiscal standing. As of October 2025, the Excess Crude Account stood at $535,823.39, the Stabilisation Account at ₦87.67 billion, and the Natural Resources Account at ₦141.58 billion.
The Council also received a presentation on the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA) from the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Innovation, Nasir Yammama.
The KASPA model uses technology to empower smallholder farmers through data-driven insights, improved market access, and agricultural extension services.
NEC commended the innovation and encouraged other states to adopt similar digital systems to improve food production and reduce rural poverty.
In a related decision, the Council directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to include in the 2026 national budget the creation of Agriculture Data and Control Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
These centres will track productivity trends, guide policy decisions, and promote sustainable agricultural practices aligned with the national food security agenda.
Governor Yahaya concluded by reaffirming the government’s resolve to end the scourge of polio. He stated that Nigeria’s experience demonstrates how collaboration between federal and state governments, global partners, and communities can deliver measurable results.
“The Council emphasised the need to sustain momentum in the fight against polio,” he said.
“Every Nigerian child deserves a healthy start in life, and we are committed to achieving that goal through the final push for polio eradication in Nigeria.”
NEC’s commitment reflects not only a public health triumph but also a broader vision for national development that connects healthcare, innovation, and economic stability.
With strengthened funding, leadership, and community engagement, Nigeria is now closer than ever to eliminating polio entirely.
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