Nigeria has recorded a 46 percent decline in variant poliovirus cases compared to last year, according to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA).
The announcement was made in Abuja on Tuesday during the second-quarter review meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee (NTLC) on Primary Health Care Delivery. The meeting was chaired by the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sa’Maila Muhammad Mera.
Polio, a highly contagious viral disease, mainly affects children under five and can cause paralysis or death. It spreads through contaminated food, water, or direct contact but can be prevented entirely through vaccination.
In his opening remarks, Emir Mera urged traditional rulers to sustain their commitment to ending variant poliovirus (cVPV2), stressing that the final phase of eradication is often the toughest. He also called on leaders to address low acceptance of other vaccines such as HPV and anti-malaria interventions, by reassuring communities and mobilising households.
The Emir praised NPHCDA and its partners, including Gavi, for strengthening vaccination campaigns and winning global confidence in Nigeria’s community-led approach.
NPHCDA Executive Director, Dr. Muyi Aina, confirmed that poliovirus cases had dropped significantly, with states like Kano and Katsina recording reductions of 85 and 84 percent respectively. He said vaccination coverage rose from 81 percent in April to 84 percent in June, with more settlements reached during campaigns.
However, Aina highlighted challenges such as fake finger-marking and insecurity, which undermine credibility. He emphasised that involving traditional leaders in selecting vaccinators builds trust and accountability.
“No mother would knowingly endanger her child. Providing accurate information remains critical,” he said.
Dr. Sam Okiror of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation praised the NTLC’s accountability model but warned that low routine immunisation and insecurity in states like Zamfara, Sokoto, and Borno continue to hinder progress. He urged traditional leaders to negotiate safe passage for vaccinators and encourage fathers to support mothers in taking children for immunisation.
UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed-Abdelatef, expressed optimism that Nigeria is close to eradicating polio but warned that nomadic and mobile populations, as well as children in insecure areas, remain at risk. She called for royal fathers’ support in the upcoming measles, rubella, and polio vaccination campaign.
Saeed-Abdelatef also reported progress in primary health care, noting that over 1,160 facilities have been upgraded nationwide, with another 2,800 underway. More than 54,000 zero-dose children were reached in the past year, and 774 health fellows deployed to improve local healthcare delivery.
The NTLC meeting, attended by government officials, development partners, and traditional rulers from 19 states and the FCT, reinforced community-led strategies as central to eliminating polio and strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
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