The federal government will conduct the second round of the integrated vaccination campaign across 11 high-risk states from September 11 to 14, 2025. 

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State disclosed this while briefing journalists at the end of the 151st National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja. Vice President Kashim Shettima chaired the meeting.

Mr Yahaya, also the chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, said the council endorsed a nationwide integrated campaign in October targeting children aged 0–14 years.

He said the campaign aimed to deliver measles, rubella, and polio vaccines, seasonal malaria chemoprevention and interventions for neglected tropical diseases.

“Although Nigeria was declared polio-free in 2020, a new variant has emerged, particularly in the North West and border regions with Chad and Cameroon,” Mr Yahaya said.

He noted that efforts were ongoing to eradicate the new variant and improve vaccination coverage, especially in areas with porous borders.

According to him, the number of recorded cases has dropped from 78 in the 33rd week of 2024 to 42 cases.

He said Kano and Kaduna States had recorded significant reductions, 85 per cent and 84 per cent, respectively.

The governor also revealed that the NEC recommended that deputy governors, who chair the State Task Force on Immunisation, meet at least two weeks before the next rounds of campaigns.

“This is especially important in key states like Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto, where coordination is crucial for successful implementation.

“Additionally, the council advised that states should conduct post-campaign reviews led by state commissioners of health and executive secretaries of Primary Health Care Development Agencies to address gaps and develop mop-up plans.

“Similarly, NEC recommended that local government chairmen should convene review meetings to ensure complete mop-up activities,” he added.

Mr Yahaya further stated that security agencies had been directed to provide adequate coverage for the immunisation campaigns, especially in high-risk areas like Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kaduna.

Lastly, the NEC requested that the Accountant General of the Federation expedite the release of funds to ensure a smooth and effective polio immunisation exercise nationwide. 

(NAN)