Medical virologists have called on the federal and state governments to strengthen routine immunisation, warning that the spread of vaccine-derived poliovirus remains a major health threat in Nigeria.
The experts noted that while the nation successfully halted indigenous wild poliovirus transmission years ago, unvaccinated and partially immunised children remain at risk. According to a report by Punch, Nigeria has recorded 36 cases of circulating variant poliovirus in 2026.
Speaking on the issue, Professor of Virology and former WHO Africa regional coordinator, Prof Oyewale Tomori, clarified that current infections are caused by circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus rather than wild poliovirus. He emphasised that incomplete doses create room for the virus to pass among vulnerable youngsters.
Tomori warned that power outages and inadequate cold-chain storage could also weaken vaccine potency, leaving children without proper immunity even after receiving drops. "You got to vaccinate your children. Make sure that no child is left behind. Make sure that you vaccinate your children," he urged parents.
Prof Olatunji Kolawole, a medical virology professor at the University of Ilorin, noted that Nigeria has made big strides since the 1980s and earned its wild poliovirus-free status in August 2020. However, he warned that insecurity, parental hesitation, and poor hygiene continue to hinder field workers trying to reach remote communities.
Kolawole also highlighted the corrupt practice of fake finger-marking, where some vaccinators mark children's fingers without actually giving them the vaccine drops. He pointed out that this practice gives a false impression of full immunisation, leaving children exposed, though he noted that authorities have begun taking steps to address it.
The warnings come shortly after Niger State confirmed five polio cases in four local government areas. State immunisation officer Abubakar Kpantu revealed that three cases were discovered from human samples and two from environmental testing, adding that control measures have been activated to contain the outbreak.
