In a recent session held in Abuja, the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to initiate and enforce compulsory immunisation, diagnostic testing, and treatment programs for diphtheria throughout all 774 local government areas in the country. This resolution emerged following the adoption of a motion raised under urgent public importance by Representative Bitrus Laori, who serves the Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency in Adamawa State.

Diphtheria, a highly contagious and potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium, initially surfaced in Borno State in 2011, claiming the lives of 21 individuals. Since then, the disease has re-emerged and now poses a serious risk to the nation’s already burdened healthcare infrastructure. It primarily targets the respiratory system—specifically the nose and throat—but can also affect the skin and heart. Diphtheria spreads quickly, especially in crowded or unhygienic environments, and disproportionately affects children and people with weakened immune systems.

Rep. Laori noted that the persistence of diphtheria in Nigeria stems from insufficient vaccination coverage. He compared the situation to countries in the United States and Europe, where widespread immunisation has nearly eliminated the disease. He further highlighted that some African nations like Niger, Gabon, and Mauritania have managed diphtheria outbreaks more successfully due to better vaccination practices, early detection, and timely access to treatments like antitoxins and antibiotics.

Providing alarming statistics, Laori revealed that between May 2022 and February 2025, Nigeria reported 41,978 suspected diphtheria cases. The states most affected include Kano and Yobe, with 24,062 and 5,330 cases, respectively. The vast majority of these cases involved children between the ages of 1 and 14, of whom only 19.7% had received complete vaccination. Tragically, the outbreak resulted in 1,279 deaths during this period.

Laori expressed concern that, without immediate action, the disease could spread beyond the currently impacted states and worsen the already high mortality rate. The House, in response, urged the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to coordinate a nationwide response that includes mandatory vaccination, testing, and treatment.

Moreover, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation was directed to launch awareness campaigns to educate the public about the symptoms, risks, and prevention of diphtheria. To ensure proper follow-through, the House tasked its Committee on Health and Health Institutions with evaluating compliance levels and the readiness of healthcare facilities. The committee is expected to present its findings within four weeks to guide subsequent legislative efforts.