The Federal Government of Nigeria has described Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) as a silent pandemic that is causing complicated infections and deaths in Nigerian hospitals. Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, stated this on Monday at an inter-ministerial media briefing on AMR in Abuja. Pate emphasized that AMR is one of the gravest threats of the time, and its impact is felt across human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
According to Pate, AMR occurs when antibiotics and other antimicrobials stop working, making routine infections more dangerous and increasing the risk of surgery and childbirth. He also noted that the cost of care rises for every family affected by AMR. The Minister announced that Nigeria will host the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance in Abuja from 6 to 8 December 2026, under the theme: “One Health: Advancing Global AMR Commitment Through Local Action.”
The conference aims to review progress, accelerate high-impact interventions, and strengthen global AMR governance. Ministers from different countries will gather to discuss the issue and adopt the Abuja Compact on Antimicrobial Resistance. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment, emphasized that AMR does not respect boundaries between sectors and requires a collaborative approach to combat. He noted that AMR moves from people to animals, from farms to food, and through water, soil, and waste.
Lawal stressed that no single ministry can win the fight against AMR alone, which is why the four ministries have committed to working together through a joint One Health coordination mechanism. The mechanism will ensure that the government delivers local action in every sector, including responsible antimicrobial use in hospitals, on farms, and in animal production, as well as safe management of waste and water.
Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, noted that AMR is a direct threat to agriculture, food security, and farmers’ livelihoods. He emphasized that antimicrobials are used to protect human health and, in specific contexts, animal and plant health. However, their inappropriate or excessive use can accelerate resistance, undermine disease control, reduce agricultural productivity, and compromise food safety.
Abdullahi outlined the agricultural sector’s priorities in the national AMR response, including promoting responsible use of antimicrobials and agrochemicals, strengthening food safety systems, and expanding agricultural extension services. He also stressed that with AMR predicted to cause an 11% decline in livestock production in low-income countries by 2050, these interventions are critical to protecting productivity and livelihoods.
The Federal Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Agriculture and Food Security, Livestock Development, and Environment are leading Nigeria’s One Health response to antimicrobial resistance. The country has a unique opportunity to demonstrate African leadership by showcasing practical local interventions, strengthening partnerships, and advancing commitments that deliver tangible results at the December conference.
Key points
- Nigeria to host 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance in Abuja from 6 to 8 December 2026.
- Federal Government adopts a whole-of-government, One Health approach to combat AMR.
- AMR predicted to cause an 11% decline in livestock production in low-income countries by 2050.
