The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to immediately enforce compulsory diphtheria vaccination, testing, and treatment across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, as the country grapples with a resurging outbreak of the deadly disease.
This resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Bitrus Laori (Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency, Adamawa State) during Wednesday’s plenary.
Diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection affecting the nose, throat, skin, and sometimes the heart, has seen a devastating resurgence in Nigeria. Though first recorded in Borno State in 2011 with 21 deaths, the current wave—beginning in 2022—has become one of the most severe in recent history.
According to Rep. Laori, between May 2022 and February 2025, Nigeria recorded 41,978 suspected diphtheria cases, with Kano (24,062 cases) and Yobe (5,330 cases) topping the chart. Alarmingly, the majority of victims were children aged between 1 and 14 years, with only 19.7% fully vaccinated. The death toll has now reached 1,279.
The lawmaker stressed that the persistence of diphtheria in Nigeria is largely due to low immunisation rates, contrasting with countries like the United States and others in Europe where the disease has been nearly eradicated through widespread vaccination. He also noted that several African countries such as Niger, Gabon, and Mauritania have effectively contained outbreaks through efficient vaccination and access to treatment.
The motion, which received overwhelming support, prompted the House to mandate the Federal Ministry of Health, NCDC, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to implement mandatory diphtheria immunisation, testing, and treatment in all healthcare facilities nationwide.
Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation was directed to launch a robust public awareness campaign on the symptoms, transmission, and dangers of diphtheria.
To ensure proper implementation, the House Committee on Health and Health Institutions was tasked with monitoring compliance and assessing the preparedness of health centres to handle the outbreak. The committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report within four weeks.
