The Federal Government has recorded a major milestone in its immunisation drive, with no fewer than 14 million girls vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and nearly 30 million children receiving the new measles–rubella vaccine within the past year.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the disclosure while speaking with reporters after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He stated that the achievement was indicative of the present administration’s commitment to social welfare and human capital development, which he noted was captured in the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.
Salako said that adequate funding for primary healthcare and immunisation will allow further expansion of nationwide vaccination programmes in 2026.
According to him, the renewed emphasis on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) is enabling the government to revitalise primary health centres across the country.
“More than 4,000 PHCs have been revitalised, and the plan for an additional 8,000 remains intact under Mr President’s directive to make primary healthcare the cornerstone of our national system.”
Salako maintained that President Tinubu special interest and support has made it possible for his Ministry to roll out large-scale, innovative immunisation campaigns, including the nationwide HPV vaccination initiative aimed at preventing cervical cancer among adolescent girls.
“For us in the health sector, today’s FEC was another opportunity to appreciate Mr President for sustaining priority attention on human capital and social welfare. These interventions directly touch the average Nigerian.”
Also speaking with journalists on deliberations and approvals reached at Wednesday’s FEC meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed that the Council also approved the establishment of agricultural mechanisation service centres to be spread evenly across the six geopolitical zones in the country.
The centres, once operational will offer mechanised farming support aimed at boosting year-round food production and reducing reliance on manual labour.
He stated that the rollout is expected to improve rural connectivity, stimulate commerce and enhance security surveillance in areas currently lacking network coverage.
“With millions of Nigerians still underserved digitally, the erection of 4,000 new towers will be a major step toward bridging the communication gap and supporting economic activity in rural communities.”
