The increasing resistance of bacteria to third-generation cephalosporins and other critical antibiotics is complicating treatment options in Nigeria, raising concerns among health experts. Dr. Sati Ngulukun, Director of Bacteriology, Parasitology, and Urology at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Plateau State, has warned that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a severe threat to public health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as neonates and intensive care unit (ICU) patients.
Speaking during his presentation titled “Private Sector Engagement in Antimicrobial Resistance: Challenges and Opportunities” at a five-day training and capacity-building program for journalists and SBOS on AMR Advocacy and Media Reporting, Dr. Ngulukun highlighted that recent studies show a significant rise in multidrug-resistant infections in Nigeria. The event was organized by Fleming Fund Country Grant Antimicrobial Resistance Phase II in collaboration with Management Science for Health (MSH) and supported by UKaid.
A 2025 study by Okechukwu et al. reported that 50% of Escherichia coli and 86% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from neonatal infections exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics. Similarly, research by Olayinka et al. (2022) highlighted the increasing failure of third-generation cephalosporins, a key class of antibiotics used to treat severe bacterial infections.
Economic Impact and Policy Recommendations
Dr. Ngulukun stressed that the economic impact of AMR is equally alarming, with global losses estimated at $100 trillion if no action is taken. In Nigeria, AMR could reduce GDP by 5-7% and diminish livestock production by 11% by 2050. “The private sector, which provides over 60% of healthcare services in Nigeria, is a critical player in this fight and must be fully integrated into national AMR control strategies,” he emphasized.
Nigeria’s National Action Plan for AMR (2017–2022), developed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), aims to:
Improve AMR awareness and education.
Strengthen surveillance and reporting systems.
Promote rational antimicrobial use in human and animal health.
Encourage private-sector engagement in AMR control.
Despite these efforts, Dr. Ngulukun stressed the need for stronger policies and stricter enforcement to curb the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.
Factors Fueling AMR in Nigeria
Dr. Ngulukun identified several factors contributing to AMR in Nigeria:
Widespread antibiotic misuse: Self-medication and over-the-counter sales of antibiotics without prescriptions contribute significantly to resistance.
Healthcare facilities as AMR hotspots: Multidrug-resistant infections are prevalent in hospitals, particularly among ICU patients and neonates.
Agricultural antibiotic use: Excessive antibiotic use in livestock and poultry farming promotes resistance within the food chain.
Environmental contamination: Poor waste management and contaminated water sources facilitate the spread of resistant bacteria.
Call for Multi-Sectoral Approach
With Nigeria ranking among the worst-hit countries by AMR, experts are calling for immediate and sustained action. Dr. Ngulukun emphasized the need for:
Strengthened surveillance and reporting systems.
Public education campaigns on responsible antibiotic use.
Stricter regulations on antibiotic sales and prescriptions.
Increased research into AMR trends and mitigation strategies.
Greater collaboration between the government, private healthcare providers, and agricultural stakeholders.
As resistance to life-saving antibiotics continues to rise, Dr. Ngulukun concluded that a multi-sectoral approach involving healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management is essential to curb the spread of AMR and safeguard public health in Nigeria.
