The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has issued a renewed call to action for all 36 states and the FCT to prioritise emergency preparedness, workforce retention, and inter-state collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s health security framework.
The appeal came during the unveiling of the State Emergency Preparedness and Response Action Plans in Abuja on Monday — a milestone designed to help states operationalise national guidelines and fortify local health systems against future outbreaks and climate-related emergencies.
Dr. Tochi Okwor, Head of Disease Prevention at NCDC and Chair of the Nigeria AMR Coordinating Committee, underscored that preparedness should not depend solely on donor funding or crisis situations.
She described it as “a continuous, integrated process” that must become an everyday part of public health operations in Nigeria. According to her, building readiness means investing in human resources, logistics systems, and reliable infrastructure that can withstand emergencies long before they arise.
As part of the EPR Action Plan, states are encouraged to institutionalise preparedness through eight thematic areas, including the adoption of tailored response guidelines, establishment of isolation and case management centres, and creation of “battle-ready” health teams capable of handling disease outbreaks and environmental disasters.
Dr. Okwor also highlighted the urgent need to develop climate-resilient cold-chain systems for vaccines, ensure stable electricity supply for health facilities, and provide continuous training in logistics and emergency supplies management.
ALSO READ: NCDC issues haemorrhagic fever alert in Abuja
Beyond workforce readiness, the NCDC is urging stronger collaboration among neighbouring states. Dr. Okwor cited the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, when coordination between Lagos and Ogun States facilitated the swift detection and containment of Nigeria’s first confirmed case.
“Outbreaks have no borders,” she reminded, adding that “sharing expertise, resources, and data is the surest way to safeguard all Nigerians.”
Dr. Adesuyi Omoare, Medical Virologist and Laboratory Systems Expert at the NCDC, noted that while regional emergency hubs have improved capacity, much remains to be done.
He emphasised that states must adopt national protocols for emergency medical supplies and strengthen local production capacity for essential consumables.
Similarly, Dr. Kitan Jinadu, Senior Advisor and Health Systems Specialist, advised states to align their laboratories with ISO 15189 standards to improve sample management and early outbreak detection.
To achieve lasting progress, experts at the event stressed that workforce migration and uneven distribution of skilled health professionals remain major threats.
Dr. Ogunbode Oladipo of the NCDC urged states to support the Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme and the Rapid Response Team initiative, while also improving welfare and professional development to retain skilled workers.
The NCDC reiterated that preparedness is a collective responsibility and not an option. To learn more about the State EPR Action Plan and download resources, visit the NCDC’s official portal at www.ncdc.gov.ng
NAN
