CSOs call for increased immunization financing to protect child survival in Nigeria

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have underscored the urgent need to prioritise immunization financing for child survival in Nigeria, stressing that it is a matter of national and global importance. 

Speaking at a media conference, Chika Offor, Executive Director of Vaccine Network for Disease Control, said immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, preventing diseases, reducing mortality, and contributing to healthier communities and a stronger economy.

“Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, preventing diseases, reducing mortality, and contributing to healthier communities and a stronger economy,” Offor said. “Vaccines have saved millions of lives and remain central to achieving Nigeria’s health and development goals.”

Offor commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; and the Honorable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, for their leadership and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s immunization agenda.

However, Offor expressed deep concern over the number of zero-dose children in Nigeria, noting that the country accounts for approximately 30% of zero-dose children worldwide. “Behind each of those numbers is a child at risk of disease, disability, or death,” Offor warned. “This is not just data. This is a national emergency hidden in plain sight.”

Offor stressed that immunization is not optional but essential to child survival. “Delayed funding for immunization programs puts millions of Nigerian children at risk—risk of diphtheria, meningitis, vaccine stockouts, and other preventable crises,” Offor cautioned.

The Executive Director called on the Federal Ministry of Finance to release the outstanding ₦108 billion for 2024 and ensure the full release of the ₦231.7 billion allocated for 2025. Offor also urged state leaders to adopt and adapt frameworks that ensure routine and emergency immunization funding are embedded in state budgets.

“Every naira released late could mean the difference between a child’s first birthday and their final breath,” Offor said, underscoring the importance of timely immunization funding.

Offor concluded by commending the leadership and commitment of key stakeholders to strengthening Nigeria’s immunization agenda. “Immunization saves lives. Financing it sustainably ensures those lives are protected—not just today, but for generations to come,” Offor said.

The former Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Health Care Services, Alhaji Muhammad Usman appealed to policymakers to prioritize immunization programmes in the country.

“You only make prompt release if you prioritise, delays in releasing funds undermine the National Assembly’s efforts and could discourage future budget increases.’‘

“Even though the allocated sums are not enough, releasing the available funds would show seriousness and encourage lawmakers to allocate more in the 2026 and 2027 budget cycles.”

Meanwhile, the Country Coordinator, Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Prof. Emmanuel Alhassan said stakeholders have been engaging with the House of Representatives noted that strengthening domestic financing for immunization was essential to reducing dependence on donor funding and achieving sustainable, equitable health outcomes.

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