Abuja: The Federal Government is set to conduct the second round of an integrated vaccination campaign across 11 high-risk states from September 11 to 14, 2025. Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State announced this initiative while speaking to journalists at the conclusion of the 151st National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the meeting was chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima. Yahaya, who also serves as the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, revealed that the council has approved a nationwide integrated campaign scheduled for October. This campaign targets children aged 0-14 years and aims to deliver vaccines for measles, rubella, and polio, along with seasonal malaria chemoprevention and interventions for neglected tropical diseases.
Despite Nigeria being declared polio-free in 2020, a new variant has emerged, especially in the North West and areas bordering Chad and Cameroon. Yahaya emphasized that efforts are ongoing to eradicate the new variant and improve vaccination coverage in regions with porous borders. The number of recorded cases has dropped from 78 in the 33rd week of 2024 to 42 cases. Significant reductions have been observed in Kano and Kaduna States, with declines of 85 percent and 84 percent, respectively.
The governor also disclosed that the NEC has recommended that Deputy Governors, who chair the State Task Force on immunization, meet at least two weeks before the next campaign rounds. This measure is particularly crucial in key states like Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto, where coordination is vital for successful implementation. Moreover, the council advised states to conduct post-campaign reviews led by State Commissioners of Health and Executive Secretaries of Primary Health Care Development Agencies to identify gaps and develop mop-up plans. Local Government Chairmen are also encouraged to hold review meetings to ensure comprehensive mop-up activities.
Yahaya further mentioned that security agencies have been instructed to provide adequate coverage for the immunization campaigns, particularly in high-risk areas such as Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kaduna. Lastly, the NEC has requested that the Accountant General of the Federation expedite the release of funds to facilitate a smooth and effective polio immunization exercise nationwide.