The Federal Government reports that only 68 percent of the COVID‑19‑eligible population has been vaccinated. In 2021, the government announced a substantial investment and a target to vaccinate 70 percent of the population by the end of 2022. Yet, as of 7 February, the vaccination rate remains at 68 percent. Dr Faisal Shuaib, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), conveyed this information on Thursday in Abuja during the First Quarter Review Meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee (NTLC) on primary health‑care (PHC) delivery.
In December 2021, Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID‑19, also stated that the country had secured enough vaccines to cover more than 70 percent of the eligible population, emphasizing that the vaccines were safe and effective. Despite this, Dr Shuaib praised the NTLC for its support of PHC services and reiterated that the fight against COVID‑19 would not be over until the 70 percent vaccination target is achieved.
Dr Shuaib also highlighted the need to move beyond merely reducing circulating Vaccine‑Derived Polio Virus type 2 (cVDPV2) by over 90 percent; the 2023 goal is to eliminate it entirely. The NPHCDA added that eradicating all disease outbreaks requires state and local government area (LGA) community leaders to strengthen routine immunisation.
Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire, while acknowledging the NTLC’s role, attributed the gains in PHC service delivery over the years largely to traditional leaders. He noted that routine immunisation is a standard, free, safe, and effective service available nationwide, and urged parents and caregivers to ensure children receive vaccines according to Nigeria’s schedule. The minister reported that more than 66 million people have been vaccinated, reaching the 68 percent mark, but acknowledged persistent pockets of vaccine rejection and misconceptions. He called for intensified community sensitisation to achieve full coverage.
According to Dr Ehanire, the incoming administration must invest heavily in primary health care, as roughly 60 percent of ailments can be managed at that level. He warned that insufficient attention and investment in PHC have hindered progress and stressed the need to strengthen the health system. He also urged traditional leaders to recommit to halting the transmission of all viruses, especially polio, a major concern.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, affirmed that the NTLC will continue collaborating with relevant stakeholders and the NPHCDA. Represented by the Emir of Shonga, Haliru Ndansua Yahaya, the Sultan said the review meetings are vital for exchanging ideas and learning. He noted anticipation of the report from the recently concluded 39th Expert Review Committee on Polio Eradication and Routine Immunisation in Nigeria, and pledged that the NTLC will act on its recommendations for intensifying routine immunisation and responding to polio outbreaks.
Finally, the Chairman of the NTLC and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, emphasized that such review meetings are crucial for reflecting on achievements and challenges in generating demand for PHC services. The meeting’s objective is to assess progress and the role of traditional leaders in delivering primary health care at the grassroots level.
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