Over 65,000 deaths linked to growing antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria – FG

…says AMR already shaved 7% off Nigeria’s GDP

Over 65,000 deaths in Nigeria are directly linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global concern that threatens public health and food systems, the federal ministry of health has said.

The ministry said AMR has already shaved off seven percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product and reduced livestock productivity by 11 percent.

This was disclosed during the inauguration of a high-powered Inter-Ministerial Advisory Committee tasked with coordinating Nigeria’s hosting of the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR, scheduled for Abuja in June 2026. This marks the first time the AMR ministerial conference will be held on the African continent.

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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 multi-sector strategy that recognises the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health.

Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, speaking during the inaugural meeting, 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.

Pate emphasised 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.”

Read also: I want the huge population of Nigeria to become a real asset — Pate

Pate also announced the inclusion of globally respected Nigerians to the national advisory committee, including: Onyebuchi Chukwu, former Health Minister and current member of the Global Leaders Group on AMR, a body governing AMR at the highest global level.

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.

Iziaq Salako, minister of State for Health & Social Welfare,  said Nigeria must ensure this conference is of the highest standard, both technically and politically.

Jide Idris, director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC explained that AMR is not just a health issue, but a development, economic, and national security issue. He said the conference offers Nigeria a rare opportunity to showcase our innovations and leadership, while also learning from others.