The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation and Aliko Dangote Foundation, has intensified efforts to end polio in Nigeria, with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State leading renewed advocacy to eliminate circulating poliovirus types 2 and 3.
A high-level delegation led by Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and Mr. Chris Elias, President of Global Development at the Gates Foundation, visited Governor Yahaya on Tuesday to discuss strategies for accelerating the final phase of polio eradication.
The visit is part of national and global efforts to consolidate gains achieved since the African Region was certified free of wild poliovirus in 2020. The delegation stressed the need for coordinated action across federal, state and local government levels, particularly in high-risk and hard-to-reach communities.
Dr. Aina commended Governor Yahaya for his leadership of the National Economic Council (NEC) Task Team on Polio Eradication, highlighting his role in strengthening subnational engagement, accountability and intergovernmental coordination.
Mr. Elias lauded Nigeria’s progress, attributing successes to improved governance, robust primary healthcare systems and proactive leadership by state governors. He described Governor Yahaya as a “critical driver” of the country’s eradication agenda.
In his response, Governor Yahaya pledged to mobilize fellow governors, deepen collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners, and ensure interventions reach local government areas and communities.
“Polio eradication is a national development imperative. We will work with traditional rulers and community influencers to increase awareness, build trust and ensure no child is left unreached, especially in vulnerable areas,” he said.
The Governor reaffirmed Gombe State’s leadership role in strengthening routine immunization, disease surveillance and primary healthcare delivery, emphasizing continued investment in health systems and community-based interventions.
The delegation included officials from NPHCDA, Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation and Northern States Governors’ Forum. The Deputy Governor of Zamfara State and the Director-General of the Northern States Governors’ Forum were also in attendance.
