First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s tuberculosis (TB) crisis, revealing that one person dies of TB every seven minutes, despite the disease being both preventable and curable.
Speaking at the World TB Day 2025 Community Outreach in Sauka village, Abuja, Tinubu described the situation as a national emergency requiring swift and decisive action.
> “In the short time we have spent at this event, many more lives will be lost if we do not act swiftly and decisively,” she warned, citing alarming statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Despite global advancements in TB treatment, Nigeria remains one of the eight countries with the highest TB burden worldwide. Tinubu lamented that many Nigerians suffer in silence due to stigma, lack of awareness, and delays in seeking medical care.
> “It is unacceptable that so many of our brothers and sisters continue to die from a disease that is both preventable and curable,” she stated.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized expanding TB testing and treatment centers nationwide to ensure that free and accessible treatment reaches those in need.
₦1 Billion Renewed Hope Fund, New Primary Healthcare Center for Sauka
In a major boost to Nigeria’s TB response, Tinubu announced a ₦1 billion pledge through her Renewed Hope Initiative to strengthen TB control efforts and improve healthcare facilities in underserved communities.
Additionally, she confirmed that the Minister of State for Health has approved the establishment of a primary healthcare center in Sauka, a densely populated community in the FCT.
> “This center will ensure greater access to TB diagnosis and treatment for residents who previously had to travel long distances for care,” she said.
Encouraging citizens to prioritize their health, Tinubu stressed the importance of early detection and treatment.
> “If you have a persistent cough for more than two weeks, do not ignore it. Seek medical help immediately,” she urged.
She also vowed to advocate for increased funding, mobilize resources, and fight stigma, ensuring that women, children, and marginalized groups have equal access to TB care.
Government Intensifies TB Response
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating TB by 2030, highlighting:
Upgrade of 10,000 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs)
Training of 120,000 health workers
Expansion of TB screening, diagnosis, and treatment services across public and private healthcare facilities
Salako commended frontline health workers for their dedication despite economic challenges and praised Tinubu for her financial and advocacy support.
> “TB is not a death sentence; it is preventable and treatable,” he reassured, urging citizens to seek early diagnosis and adhere to treatment.
Lawmakers, Experts Call for Increased Domestic Funding
The Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, warned that foreign funding for TB is declining, calling for increased domestic investment.
> “For us to eliminate TB by 2030, we must commit, invest, and deliver,” he declared, urging the private sector to establish a TB fund similar to existing HIV and malaria initiatives.
Hon. Ogah also condemned TB-related stigma and discrimination, announcing that the House Committee will soon pass a law prohibiting such practices.
Global Experts Praise Nigeria’s TB Efforts
Dr. Austin Arinze Obiefuna, Board Vice Chair, Global Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, commended Nigeria for its strong commitment and strategic investments in TB control.
> “Nigeria is setting the pace in Africa and gaining global recognition for its efforts in tackling TB,” he said, urging stakeholders to sustain the momentum.
Similarly, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative to Nigeria, raised concerns over drastic cuts in global health funding, warning that progress in TB control could be reversed without urgent investments.
> “Nigeria is not just watching; Nigeria is taking action,” he declared, urging donors, private sector players, academia, the press, and communities to join forces in the fight against TB.
Traditional Rulers Demand Lasting Healthcare Solutions
The Sapeyi of Garki, HRH Usman Nga Kupi, called for the establishment of more TB diagnosis and treatment centers in underserved communities.
> “Sauka remains one of the largest communities in the FCT without a health facility. A dedicated TB center here would not only help combat the disease but also improve overall healthcare delivery,” he stated.
He commended First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and donor agencies for their commitment, urging the government to translate promises into lasting healthcare solutions.
Nigeria’s TB Burden: The Call for Urgent Action
According to Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Acting Board Chair, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Nigeria recorded 499,000 TB cases in 2023, making it the highest TB-burdened country in Africa and sixth globally.
> “Together, we can end TB. Yes, we fit do am,” she declared, urging stakeholders to increase investments in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Conclusion: A Renewed Hope to End TB
As Nigeria works towards its 2030 goal of ending TB, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s message remains clear:
> “Every life matters. We must act now to stop this silent killer.”
With a ₦1 billion fund, expanded healthcare facilities, and a government-wide commitment, Nigeria is taking bold steps to defeat TB. However, sustained collaboration between the government, private sector, and global partners remains critical to achieving a TB-free Nigeria.
