Abuja, June 25, 2026 – Nigeria must strengthen its health security architecture and invest in proactive disease surveillance, research and emergency preparedness to effectively respond to future public health threats, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has said.
Tajudeen made the remark on Thursday in Abuja during a public hearing on proposed legislation seeking to establish the National Institute for Public Health and Infectious Diseases, as well as a bill aimed at eliminating discrimination against people affected by tuberculosis.
He noted that increasing global connectivity had made the spread of infectious diseases faster and more complex, requiring nations to adopt coordinated, science-based and forward-looking strategies.
According to the Speaker, modern transportation and trade have significantly reduced barriers to the transmission of diseases, making it possible for health threats to cross continents within a short period.
He recalled Nigeria’s experiences with outbreaks such as Ebola, Lassa fever and the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the incidents exposed weaknesses in public health systems and highlighted the importance of preparedness.
Tajudeen stressed that a country of Nigeria’s size and strategic importance could not afford to rely solely on reactive measures during health emergencies.
He advocated stronger investments in scientific research, innovation, disease monitoring and local capacity development to improve national resilience against future outbreaks.
The Speaker also pointed to lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, when disruptions in global supply chains limited access to vaccines, medical equipment and diagnostic materials in many countries.
He said the experience underscored the need for Nigeria to build stronger domestic capabilities in research, development and the production of critical healthcare commodities.
Tajudeen explained that the proposed institute was envisioned as a world-class centre capable of advancing public health research, strengthening disease control efforts and supporting national and global health security objectives.
He urged stakeholders, professionals and industry experts participating in the hearing to contribute practical recommendations that would help shape effective legislation.
Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, Rep. Amobi Ogah, said the public hearing was organised to gather input from relevant stakeholders on the proposed bills.
Ogah explained that the Tuberculosis Anti-Discrimination Bill seeks to safeguard the rights of individuals living with or affected by tuberculosis while addressing stigma that often discourages people from seeking medical attention.
He added that the proposed legislation aims to promote early testing, diagnosis and treatment as part of broader efforts to reduce the disease burden in the country.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) expressed reservations about the bill seeking to establish the National Institute for Public Health and Infectious Diseases.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, argued that the proposed institution could create overlaps with the agency’s existing responsibilities and complicate the country’s public health governance framework.
While affirming NCDC’s support for initiatives that enhance disease surveillance, epidemic preparedness and outbreak response, Idris maintained that the agency already performs many of the functions assigned to the proposed institute under existing legislation.
He noted that the NCDC, established by law in 2018, serves as Nigeria’s recognised national public health institution and currently oversees critical aspects of disease prevention and response.
According to him, establishing another agency with similar responsibilities could result in duplication of duties, administrative conflicts and additional financial burdens.
Idris further warned that effective management of public health emergencies requires a clearly defined leadership structure, adding that overlapping mandates could create uncertainty regarding authority and operational coordination during disease outbreaks.
Participants at the hearing agreed on the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s health security framework, while emphasising the need for policies that promote efficiency, coordination and effective use of existing institutions.