Nigeria is currently grappling with multiple infectious disease outbreaks across its six geopolitical zones, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The outbreaks include diphtheria, cholera, Lassa fever, and measles, which are further complicated by climate-related and humanitarian emergencies, as well as broader structural factors such as population mobility and pressure on health systems.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, made this disclosure at a three-day stakeholder workshop on preparedness and response to public health emergencies, organized in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). He emphasized that preparedness is not defined by the absence of outbreaks, but by the capacity to anticipate risk, detect threats early, and respond in a timely and effective manner.
The NCDC, established as Nigeria’s national public health institute in 2018, plays a critical role in providing technical leadership for the prevention, detection, and response to public health threats. The centre works closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, state governments, and development partners to strengthen the country’s health security architecture.
Nigeria has made significant investments in enhancing its emergency preparedness, including the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) and the adoption of the National Action Plan for Health Security 2.0. However, persistent challenges remain, particularly in coordination across sectors, data integration, and sustainable financing.
The workshop aims to examine Nigeria’s preparedness and response systems, identify bottlenecks, and strengthen coherence across frameworks and institutions. Dr. Idris urged participants to engage with intellectual honesty and technical depth, with the goal of producing a nationally owned roadmap to strengthen early detection, improve response coordination, and enhance resilience at both national and sub-national levels.
The success of the meeting will be crucial in addressing the ongoing outbreaks and enhancing Nigeria’s overall health security. The NCDC’s efforts to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response systems are critical in mitigating the impact of infectious diseases and protecting the health and well-being of Nigerians. With the support of partners and the government, the NCDC is working towards a more resilient and responsive health system.
