The Federal Government has launched a nationwide campaign to tackle the rising misuse of antibiotics as Nigeria marks the 2025 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week.
The campaign was unveiled in Abuja, where the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha — represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi — warned that unprescribed antibiotic use in humans, animals, and crops is driving a severe public health threat.
“Antimicrobial resistance is emerging faster than our ability to respond. When medicines stop working, infections become harder and costlier to treat,” she said, adding that Africa could face “up to four million deaths annually by 2050” if misuse continues.
The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, represented by Dr. Patience Tomoh , described AMR as a “One Health challenge” that affects humans, livestock, food systems, and the economy. “Every misuse of antibiotics, whether in animals or crops, weakens our collective defence,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Nasir Ahmed, represented by an official, called for stronger surveillance and collaboration across health sectors. “We must protect the medicines that still work. Without action, common infections could once again become deadly,” he said.
The Federal Ministry of Environment, through its representative, Chika Okpala, reaffirmed its commitment to wastewater monitoring and pollution control. “Improving sanitation and hygiene remains central to reducing antimicrobial resistance,” she noted.
International partners, including the FAO, WHO, Fleming Fund MSH, DRASA, DUCIT Blue, and veterinary associations, pledged continued support for Nigeria’s AMR response.
This year’s theme, “Act Now, Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” underscores the urgency of coordinated national action.
The week-long campaign runs until November 24, with sensitisation programmes scheduled across Abuja and selected states to educate the public and livestock farmers on responsible antimicrobial use.
