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FG Launches the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Policy for Environment Sector
FG Launches the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Policy for Environment Sector
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has intensified the fight against antimicrobial resistance, which is estimated to lead to a global US$ 1 trillion additional healthcare costs by 2050, and US$ 1 trillion to US$ 3.4 trillion gross domestic product (GDP) losses per year by 2030, with the launch of the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Policy for Environment Sector on Thursday
Speaking at the Launch in Abuja, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako noted that a lot still needs to be done for the environment sector to come up to speed and be at par with other One Health sectors with regards to AMR management. He said: “It is in this context and in line with the mandate of the ministry that this policy on national antimicrobial resistance for the environment sector has been developed.”
The Minister said: “You will agree with me that antibiotics play a critical role in reducing the burden of communicable disease all over the world. However, resistance to previously potent antibiotics has become a major problem of major public health significance requiring a range of interventions and multidisciplinary approach. This growing trend of resistance to antibiotics calls for global action to monitor and control unnecessary use of antibiotics in humans and animals which eventually gets to the environment.”
Salako added that: “Antimicrobial resistance is not only a public health threats, it has huge implications for global economic wellbeing and security, affecting both developed and developing countries. AMR is listed by the World Health Organization as one of the ten top threats to global health. According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), AMR is a global crisis that cannot be understood or addressed separately from the triple planetary crisis.”
He noted that: “The report of the 2022 Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) report highlights alarming resistance rates among bacterial pathogens that causes the deadliest infections with other pathogens like virus, fungi and protozoa also becoming resistant. This report shows that AMR threat is growing at an alarming rate making treatment challenging with longer hospital stays, increased mortality and higher healthcare cost. The World Bank estimates that AMR could result in US$ 1 trillion additional healthcare costs by 2050, and US$ 1 trillion to US$ 3.4 trillion gross domestic product (GDP) losses per year by 2030.”
The Minister said: “Nigeria as a responsible member of the global community is committed to adopting a holistic approach to addressing AMR to ensuring all of sector involvement, no duplication and efficient use of scarce resources. To achieve this, and protect public health, food security and the environment, the recognition of the interconnectedness between human, animal and environmental health in line with the One Health principles is central.”
Salako noted that: “In this regard, the Federal Ministry of Environment has embarked on a number activities aimed at laying a solid foundation for AMR surveillance in the environment sector of our country. This includes: AMR situation analysis in environment sector conducted in 2020 including laboratory and capacity needs assessment of environmental reference laboratories domicile with NESREA to pave way for setting up AMR surveillance in the environment sector and provide recommendations for strengthening capacities for AMR surveillance within the sector.
“Establishment of the Integrated National Environmental Health Surveillance System (INEHSS) in 2022 for real time environmental health and sanitation scientific data collection and processing for informed policy decisions, planning, monitoring, evaluation, early warning signals and response to environmental health challenges including disease outbreak. The INEHSS provides a premise for AMR surveillance in the environment considering the unsound release of antimicrobial residues in our environment.”
He revealed that with collaboration with other stakeholders, the Federal Ministry of Environment intends to create AMR surveillance system in the environment sector by integrating AMR into INEHSS which is an existing surveillance system in the environment sector, in order to provide timely alerts on AMR spread; regulate the discharge and distribution of antimicrobials into the environment; promote public knowledge and awareness on AMR and implication of indiscriminate Antimicrobial Discharge (AMD) into the environment; establish national standards for monitoring and controlling antimicrobials in the environment through the development of
roadmap for monitoring AMR in the environment, standards for Antimicrobial residue, Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARG) and Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria (ARB) discharge into the environment
He said this includes database of all allied industries, institutes, healthcare facilities and farms in Nigeria and most importantly strengthening of Environmental Health Officers’ capacity to track the activities of the culpable facilities.
On his part, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Representative Ad-Interim in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Koffy Kouacou Dominique said: “The antimicrobial resistance scourge affects humans, animals, plants, and the environment. It is estimated that 10 million people would die annually by the year 2050, and the economies of nations negatively affected if this challenge is not mitigated.”
He insisted that: “It is therefore important for countries to put in place actions that will reduce and control this scourge.”
Dominique added that: “Antimicrobial resistance which is a One Health issue needs to be tackled by all sectors. It is for this reason that the FAO in 2022 supported the Federal Ministry of Environment to develop the National AMR Policy and the National Strategic Plan (2023 – 2027). This support was also to assist in enhancing the capacity and capabilities of the environment sector to participate actively in development and implementation of multi-sectoral and inter-disciplinary AMR control plans at the national and subnational levels.”
FG Launches the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Policy for Environment Sector
Atiku urges action to tackle out-of-school children in Nigeria
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Former Vice President of Nigeria has urged everyone to focus attention on the state of the nation’s education to secure a better future for young people in the country.
Atiku who is the founder, American University of Nigeria, AUN made the call at commemoration of the 17th Annual Founders day 2025 in Yola.
He said “Our beloved country, poised with a youth population that boasts enormous promise, faces staggering challenges that threaten to undermine our most precious asset, our children.
“Currently, millions of children remain out of school, and among those who do enrol, many find themselves disillusioned, trapped in an outdated paradigm that fails to prepare them for the demands of an increasingly complex and competitive world.”
According to him, the classroom experience, already compromised, muddied by overcrowded facilities, lack of resources, and educators who are under-supported.
He added that this dire educational reality is not just an unfortunate circumstance; it poses a profound threat not only on the lives of the youths, but also on the society
“The statistics are sobering; Nigeria holds the regrettable title of having the largest population of out-of-school children in the world.
“How is it that in a country rich in resources, cultural heritage knowledge and a myriad of talents, we find ourselves with such a dismal record?
“Every unattended classroom symbolizes a child with unfulfilled potential, a dream put on hold, and a talent that will remain dormant”, he said.
Atiku further said that If we do not act now to revitalize the educational system, “we doom an entire generation to lives devoid of opportunity, creativity, and the freedom to dream”.
In his address, Prof DeWayne Frazier, President of AUN said, over the years, the institutions has grown from its humble beginnings into a dynamic community that embodies the values of excellence, integrity, and service.
He said, they have educated leaders who are shaping industries, driving change, and transforming communities, not only in Nigeria but across the globe.
“Our mission has always been clear: to provide a world-class education rooted in critical thinking, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable development.
“Today, as we celebrate our continued journey fulfilling that mission, we take pride in the milestones we have achieved: innovative program, pioneering research and community impact”, he said.
According to him, beyond the achievements, what truly sets them apart is their community.
“AUN is not just a university; it is a family. A family bound by shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to making a difference”, he said.
Atiku urges action to tackle out-of-school children in Nigeria
Two policemen killed, three missing as Bandits ambush tactical team in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Two police personnel have been killed, three declared missing and two others injured after suspected Fulani herdsmen ambushed a police tactical team in Sabon Sara village, Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on Nov. 22 at about 12:48 p.m. when the operatives were on an intelligence-led patrol in the area, which has recorded persistent farmer-herder conflicts.
The tactical team, drawn from Mobile Police Squadron 10 (Mopol 10), the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and the State Intelligence Department (SID), was ambushed by yet-to-be-identified herders who opened fire on them.
“DSP Ahmad Muhammad of SID and Inspector Amarhel Yunusa of Mopol 10 were confirmed dead at the scene,” the source said.
The sources added that ASP Mustapha Muhammad and Inspector Idris Ahmed, both of Mopol 10, as well as Corporal Isah Muazu of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, were declared missing after the attack.
According to the sources, Inspector Isah Musa and Inspector Yusuf Gambo, both of the State Intelligence Department, sustained injuries and were evacuated to the General Hospital, Darazo for treatment.
The sources said that the Commissioner of Police has ordered the deployment of additional tactical units to reinforce the Darazo Division and intensify efforts to trace the missing personnel and apprehend the attackers.
Two policemen killed, three missing as Bandits ambush tactical team in Bauchi
Police storms bandits enclave after bandits attack, rescue 25 abducted women in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Zamfara Police Command has rescued 25 abducted persons, including 10 women and 15 children, following a coordinated response to a bandit attack on Kuraje village in Damba area of Gusau Local Government Area.
A source told Zagazola Makama on Sunday that the incident occurred on Nov. 21 at about 9:45 p.m., when armed bandits in large numbers invaded the community, shooting sporadically before abducting the victims.
According to the source, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Damba Division, working alongside operatives from the Department of Operations Gusau and Community Protection Guards (CPG), immediately mobilised to the scene after receiving the distress report.
“The joint police teams engaged the bandits in a gun battle and successfully rescued all the abducted women and children,” the source said.
He added that the rescued victims were taken to Sabongari Damba for safety and were expected to be reunited with their families on Sunday morning.
The police assured that efforts were ongoing to track fleeing bandits and enhance security around vulnerable communities in the area.
Further developments are expected as operations continue.
Police storms bandits enclave after bandits attack, rescue 25 abducted women in Zamfara
Atiku urges action to tackle out-of-school children in Nigeria
Two policemen killed, three missing as Bandits ambush tactical team in Bauchi
Police storms bandits enclave after bandits attack, rescue 25 abducted women in Zamfara
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