Worried at the greater impact of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on human health,food security animals and the environment, the federal government has unified efforts by the the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, Health and Social Welfare, Environment, as well as Livestock development to tackle the menace

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare while speaking at a joint press briefing ahead of the fifth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Abuja from December 6 to 8, 2026 said said that Nigeria was adopting a multisectoral approach involving the key Ministries to address the problem.

The Briefing also had in attendance the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Senator Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal, and Minister of Livestock Development Idi Muktar Maiha. This signifies the important of the conference being the first to be hosted in Africa under the theme, “One Health: Advancing Global AMR Commitments Through Global Action.”

Speaking on behalf of the Ministers, Pate described AMR as one of the greatest public health threats of the time, saying failure of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs could make routine infections difficult to treat, increase risks associated with surgery and childbirth, and raise healthcare costs.

Citing a 2022 Lancet study, he said bacterial antimicrobial resistance was directly responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019, while about 64,500 deaths in Nigeria were attributable to the problem in the same year.

He warned that more than 39 million deaths could be directly attributable to antimicrobial resistance globally between 2025 and 2050 without effective interventions.

He explained that antimicrobial resistance could emerge and spread among humans, animals, food systems and the environment, making it necessary for the different sectors to work together.

According to him, livestock production is a significant user of antibiotics, making responsible use in the sector essential to reducing the pressure that encourages antimicrobial resistance.

The Minister maintained that the government was strengthening infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities, promoting responsible antimicrobial use and improving clinical guidelines for health practitioners.

Pate added that a clinical governance task force had been established earlier in the year to develop guidelines for addressing risks associated with infections and antimicrobial resistance in hospitals.

He said regulatory agencies were also working to ensure that antimicrobial medicines available in the market were genuine and to curb their indiscriminate sale.

The minister further identified improved laboratory capacity, accurate diagnosis, training of healthcare workers and increased domestic production of quality antimicrobials as key components of Nigeria’s response.

Prof Pate however, acknowledged gaps in Nigeria’s surveillance systems, noting that the country needed to strengthen its capacity to accurately monitor the prevalence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

He said the government was also committed to improving access to quality antimicrobials produced locally as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s health security.

He said the conference would adopt the Abuja Compact on Antimicrobial Resistance, which is being developed through consultations with member states and stakeholders to translate global commitments into concrete action.

Pate said antimicrobial resistance was one of the greatest public health threats of the time,

The Minister of State Agriculture and Food Security Senator Sabi Abdullahi stressed the need for responsible use of antimicrobials and agrochemicals, improved food safety systems and expanded agricultural extension services to educate farmers on good agricultural practices and biosecurity.

He said inappropriate or excessive use of antimicrobials could undermine disease control, reduce agricultural productivity, compromise food safety, disrupt trade and threaten farmers’ livelihoods.

According to him, farmers must have access to appropriate guidance and sustainable alternatives that protect crops, livestock, consumers and the environment.

He said Nigeria’s hosting of the conference provided an opportunity for the country to demonstrate African leadership by showcasing practical interventions, strengthening partnerships and advancing commitments that would produce measurable results.

The minister called for action at farm, community, institutional and national levels, rather than relying solely on declarations and policy commitments.

He also emphasised the need for collaboration among government institutions, development partners, scientists, civil society organisations, the media and local communities.

The ministers jointly committed to strengthening inter-ministerial cooperation through a One Health mechanism that would continue beyond the conference.

They also pledged to promote responsible antimicrobial use in hospitals, farms and animal production, ensure inclusive participation in the conference and establish accountability measures for implementing the proposed Abuja Compact.

Pate urged members of the public to support efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance by avoiding the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.

He warned that taking antibiotics in inappropriate doses or for periods different from those prescribed by healthcare professionals could contribute to the development of resistance.

The minister advised Nigerians against using antibiotics for every cough or other illness without proper medical guidance, urging patients to follow their doctors’ prescriptions.

He said public awareness and responsible behaviour were essential to ensuring that antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines remained effective.