As part of the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform monthly updates, we feature perspectives from experts on critical issues, progress, advancements, and key initiatives in our joint efforts against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
For our first interview, we spoke with Dr. Tochi Okwor, Infection Prevention and Control Programme Coordinator & Chair of Nigeria's AMR Coordination Committee, and Acting Head of the Department of Disease Prevention & Health Promotion at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). She shared insights on Nigeria’s progress in tackling AMR and provided a glimpse into the 5th Ministerial Conference on AMR, which Nigeria will host in 2026.
1. Could you share some of the key achievements and challenges faced in implementing Nigeria’s Second National Action Plan on AMR?
As part of Nigeria's efforts to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), we have made significant progress implementing our Second National Action Plan (NAP 2.0). Our AMR Technical Working Group has improved coordination by integrating plant, youth, and AMR survivor perspectives while adopting gender and equity-based approaches. We have enhanced surveillance through updated protocols and expanded genomic monitoring, while advancing policy initiatives including a National Antimicrobial Stewardship Strategy and veterinary medicine prescription policies. Our Infection Prevention and Control Program was recognized in the 2024 Global IPC Report as a model program. Despite these achievements, funding gaps persist, particularly at subnational levels. Surveillance limitations continue due to inconsistent data quality and laboratory equipment shortages. Regulatory challenges and porous borders allow unchecked antimicrobial misuse, while policy implementation faces bureaucratic delays.
2. Given that AMR is a global health and development threat requiring coordinated international efforts, how has Nigeria engaged in international and multi-sectoral collaborations to tackle AMR?
Nigeria actively participates in high-level AMR forums including the UN High-level meeting on AMR (UNHLM) and AU regional platforms. Our selection to host the 5th Global AMR Ministerial Conference in 2026 reflects our leadership in AMR response. We collaborate closely with the Quadripartite organizations (FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH) to implement NAP 2.0, with critical financial and technical support from the Fleming Fund Country Grant.
Our One Health AMR Technical Working Group integrates stakeholders from health, agriculture, environment, and plant sectors, ensuring a coordinated national response. We are expanding our sentinel surveillance system and collaborating with the African Society for Laboratory Medicine to enhance laboratory capacity across sectors.
Fleming Fund fellowships provide ongoing capacity development opportunities. Partnerships with global organizations have advanced stewardship policies and infection prevention measures, while the Technical Assistance for Data and Evidence Use Initiative supports AMR data-driven decision-making. Nigeria also contributed to the AU Landmark Report ahead of UNGA 2024.
3. With the upcoming Fifth Ministerial Conference on AMR in 2026, what are your country's primary objectives and expectations for this conference? How do you see the AMR Partnership Platform supporting this process and contributing to a successful outcome?
Nigeria has established a One Health-aligned Planning Framework with a committee ensuring representation from human health, animal health, agriculture, plant, and environmental sectors. We intend to showcase Nigeria's One Health leadership throughout the planning and hosting process.
The planning structure includes a Steering Committee led by the NCDC Director-General, a Ministerial Advisory Committee, and specialized committees with specific technical and operational mandates. This comprehensive approach ensures all relevant sectors contribute to conference planning and implementation.
Nigeria is committed to early development of the Conference Outcome Document to ensure adequate Member States consultations and technical alignment. This process will be supported by the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat and the global governance structures on AMR, including the AMR Partnership Platform, and linked to the Jeddah Commitments and the 2026 UNGA AMR political milestones, ensuring continuity in global AMR governance and alignment with international frameworks. As the 2026 High-Level Ministerial Conference hosts, we remain committed to strengthening our AMR response by applying a One Health approach through continued stakeholder engagement and collaboration.