In a decisive move to combat Nigeria’s escalating diphtheria crisis, the House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to enforce mandatory nationwide diphtheria immunization.
This resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance presented by Rep. Bitrus Laori (PDP–Adamawa) during Wednesday’s plenary session.
A National Call to Action
As part of its resolution, the House called for compulsory diphtheria vaccination, testing, and treatment in all healthcare centres across the country’s Local Government Areas. Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation was urged to launch intensified public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on diphtheria’s dangers, symptoms, and transmission modes.
Diphtheria: A Preventable but Life-Threatening Disease
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium species, primarily affecting the nose, throat, and skin. In severe cases, it can lead to heart complications. A hallmark of the disease is the formation of a thick, grey coating in the throat, obstructing breathing and posing a serious health risk.
Despite being easily preventable through vaccination, diphtheria persists in regions with low immunization coverage. Countries like the United States and many in Europe have effectively eliminated the disease. In contrast, parts of Africa, including Nigeria, continue to battle outbreaks due to insufficient vaccination efforts.
Nigeria’s Alarming Statistics
Rep. Laori revealed that between May 2022 and February 2025, Nigeria recorded 41,978 suspected diphtheria cases across several states, notably Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Katsina. The states of Kano and Yobe alone accounted for a staggering 24,062 and 5,330 cases, respectively.
Tragically, only 19.7% of the affected individuals—mainly children aged 1 to 14—were fully vaccinated, resulting in 1,279 deaths during this period. Without urgent intervention, Laori warned, the fatality rate could surge, with the disease spreading beyond currently affected regions.
Challenges and Urgency
The ongoing outbreak is exacerbated by low vaccination rates, inadequate treatment options, and delayed diagnosis, all of which continue to strain Nigeria’s fragile public health system. Laori emphasized that immediate action is essential to prevent further loss of life and halt the disease’s spread.
Legislative Oversight and Follow-up
In his ruling, Speaker of the House, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, mandated the House Committee on Health and Health Institutions to assess the capacity of Nigeria’s healthcare facilities to respond to the diphtheria outbreak. The committee is to present its findings within four weeks for further legislative action.
Additionally, the Committee on Legislative Compliance was tasked with ensuring the implementation of the House’s resolutions.
A Resurgence That Demands Attention
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Laori recalled Nigeria’s first major diphtheria outbreak in Borno State in 2011, which claimed 21 lives. He stressed that the disease’s transmission through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and overcrowded, unsanitary environments continues to put vulnerable populations—especially children and immunocompromised individuals—at high risk.
The resurgence of diphtheria not only threatens public health but also places immense pressure on Nigeria’s already overstretched healthcare system.
Credit: Nairametrics
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