Nigeria faces a dual health threat as diphtheria and meningitis outbreaks demand urgent attention from health authorities and the public. Recent reports highlight the spread of these infectious diseases, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures, increased vaccination efforts, and heightened public awareness.

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education to bolster health and safety protocols in all federal unity colleges following a diphtheria outbreak at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe, Lagos. This outbreak tragically resulted in the death of a 12-year-old student and the hospitalization of several others. Rep. Akin Rotimi brought the issue to the forefront during a plenary session, emphasizing the broader diphtheria crisis in Nigeria, citing data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). According to the NCDC, between 2022 and early 2025, Nigeria recorded 24,804 confirmed diphtheria cases across 25 states. The House has directed the Federal Ministry of Education to conduct a thorough review of health infrastructure in unity colleges and to establish a clear framework for responding to infectious disease outbreaks. Simultaneously, the House has called on the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, and NCDC to intensify diphtheria vaccination and awareness campaigns nationwide.

In Kaduna State, Rigasa General Hospital in Igabi LGA is currently managing six individuals diagnosed with diphtheria. Dr. Austin Otoghile, the Chief Medical Director, reassured the public that the situation is under control, noting that only one patient requires oxygen. Umma K. Ahmed, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, confirmed the situation and stated that the Rapid Response Team is actively managing the crisis.

Adding to the health concerns, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of a potential meningitis outbreak due to the ongoing heatwave across the country. Meningitis, an acute infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, remains a significant public health challenge. NiMet's weather outlook indicates that the current atmospheric conditions could exacerbate the outbreak of the infection, particularly in the northern region. Children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. NiMet has urged relevant authorities to act swiftly to contain potential outbreaks, advising the public to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and seek early treatment if symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, light sensitivity, confusion, and seizures appear.

Kebbi State is already grappling with a meningitis outbreak across three LGAs, with 26 fatalities reported. Yanusa Ismail, the Commissioner for Health, stated that the state has recorded 248 suspected cases, with 11 samples taken for examination, of which three have been confirmed negative.

The concurrent threats of diphtheria and meningitis underscore the critical need for robust public health measures, including widespread vaccination campaigns, enhanced surveillance, and improved healthcare infrastructure, to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate the impact of these infectious diseases.