Abuja, Nigeria – In a bold step to assert its global leadership on public health and sustainable development, the Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday convened a high-powered Inter-Ministerial Advisory Committee to coordinate the planning and delivery of the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) scheduled to take place in Abuja from June 29 to 30, 2026.
This marks the first time the AMR ministerial conference will be held on the African continent, underscoring Nigeria’s rising role in shaping global health security and AMR governance.
The inter-ministerial committee is jointly convened by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and the Federal Ministry of Environment, under Nigeria’s “One Health” approach, a holistic, multi-sectoral strategy that recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health.
Speaking during the inaugural meeting, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the move signals a pivotal moment for Nigeria and Africa to assume leadership in a global crisis that threatens public health, food systems, economies, and the environment.
“This inaugural meeting of the Ministerial Advisory Committee is a significant milestone,” said Pate. “We are taking an integrated and whole-of-government approach to address antimicrobial resistance, which requires cooperation across human health, animal health, plant systems, and environmental protection.”
Pate emphasized the historic significance of Nigeria’s hosting, noting it follows previous high-level AMR summits in Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and Oman. “This is the first time Africa will host such a meeting. It’s a responsibility we carry on behalf of the continent. It’s also an opportunity to highlight and amplify African voices, innovations, and priorities in the global AMR agenda.”
High-Level Experts Join Nigeria’s AMR Advisory Committee
Pate also announced the inclusion of globally respected Nigerians to the national advisory committee, including:
Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, former Health Minister and current member of the Global Leaders Group on AMR, a body governing AMR at the highest global level.
Dr. Ayoade Alakija, an international development advocate and special envoy to the WHO Director-General, who was named Nigeria’s Ministerial Global Envoy on AMR. She is expected to galvanize global and domestic advocacy and resource mobilization for the 2026 summit.
“This is a collective effort,” Pate added. “The planning process is not only national but also continental and global in scope. We are drawing on the expertise and partnerships of previous host nations—Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the Netherlands—to ensure a successful conference.”
In his remarks, Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako said:
“The world is watching,” “At every global forum we attend, from the UK-Africa Health Summit to the World Health Assembly, Nigeria’s hosting is on the agenda. We must ensure this conference is of the highest standard, both technically and politically.”
While delivering his power-point presentation titled: Antimicrobial Resistance, A Growing National Threat, the Director – General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris asserted: “AMR is not just a health issue. It’s a development, economic, and national security issue. This conference offers Nigeria a rare opportunity to showcase our innovations and leadership, while also learning from others.”
Over 2.5 million deaths annually are associated with AMR globally, with 65,000 deaths directly linked to AMR in Nigeria alone.
AMR has already shaved 7% off Nigeria’s GDP and reduced livestock productivity by 11%.
In aligning under one health strategy, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, emphasized the escalating risk AMR poses to food systems and animal health. He noted that his ministry has already endorsed multiple AMR policy documents, including national guidelines for antimicrobial drug use in animals and an AMR surveillance strategy.
“Our sectors cannot work in silos,” Maiha said. “This committee demonstrates our collective determination to ensure AMR response is coordinated, science-based, and resilient.”
Also, Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, represented by Mrs. Omotunde Adeola, Director of Pollution Control, warned that AMR is also an environmental time bomb. “In Nigeria, antimicrobial residues from untreated hospital waste, pharmaceutical runoff, and poor sanitation are polluting our water systems and soils. We must integrate WASH water, sanitation and hygiene, into all AMR strategies,” she said.
Signed
Alaba Balogun
Head, Information &
Public Relations
1 July 2025
