NEC Takes Measures To Eradicate Polio, Endorses Renewed Hope Medium Term Dev Plan

By Ayodele Oni

At its 151st meeting on Thursday, the National Economic Council, (NEC) took step to ensure total eradication of polio disease among children following resurgence of the ailment.

The council approved new measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s immunisation system.

The NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, also endorsed the Renewed Hope Medium-Term Development Plan (2026–2030), a blueprint expected to guide national growth over the next five years.

The Council at its 151st meeting held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, explained that polio vaccination coverage had increased from 81 percent to 84 percent.

It noted that the progress was a step forward in the campaign to rid the country of the virus and therefore pledged renewed focus on routine immunisation to sustain the momentum.

This was as officials noted that the plan would serve as a roadmap for strengthening healthcare, scaling up routine vaccination, and investing in critical areas of the economy.

The renewed push specifically aligned with global efforts by the World Health Organisation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to wipe out polio completely.

Nigeria, which was declared free of wild polio virus in 2020, is believed to be at risk of resurgence due to gaps in vaccination and circulation of vaccine-derived strains in some geopolitical zones of the country.