Niger State has successfully treated 8,629 cases of tuberculosis (TB) out of the 14,908 cases identified, but health experts have warned that underfunding and reduced donor support could hinder progress toward eliminating the disease by 2030.
The disclosure was made during a press briefing to commemorate the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day in Minna by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana. He presented detailed figures for the state’s TB response, highlighting the challenges that remain despite treatment successes.
Dr. Bagana revealed that data from 2025 showed 127,410 total presumptive TB cases in the state, with 126,228 of them tested. Of these, 14,908 were confirmed as tuberculosis cases, and 8,629 have been fully cured using advanced diagnostic tools, including the Genexpert Machine, Trunat Machine, T LAMP, and PDX Machine.
“The major challenge threatening the progress towards the 2030 elimination target is reductions in international donor funding from 2025 onwards,” he said, emphasizing that the state requires consistent funding to sustain treatment and prevention efforts.
Representing the commissioner, the Ministry of Health’s permanent secretary, Dr. Abdullahi Usman, reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the TB and Leprosy Control Programme. He assured that the ministry was poised to intensify interventions to eliminate TB in Niger State by the 2030 target year.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Hananiya Dauda, the World Health Organization’s national professional officer for TB in the North Central Zone, warned of a looming crisis.
Dr. Dauda noted that only eight per cent of the 18 per cent of expected funds had been accessed. He cautioned that without timely provision of funds and necessary commodities, Niger State could face a serious tuberculosis crisis beginning in June this year.
He urged both government authorities and partners to prioritize TB funding and maintain consistent supply chains for medicines and diagnostic tools to prevent a worsening of the situation.
Further concerns were raised regarding TB prevention among newborns. Dr. Ibrahim Idris noted that the state has enough clinical workers to manage TB cases effectively. However, he highlighted that the failure to achieve full uptake of BCG immunization for newborns could contribute to additional cases in the coming years.
Dr. Idris stressed that improving immunization coverage, alongside early diagnosis and treatment, is essential to curbing the spread of TB.
Tuberculosis remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, with high rates of infection and challenges in treatment adherence. Niger State’s efforts to identify and treat more than 8,600 confirmed cases represent a significant achievement, but experts caution that success depends on sustained funding, public awareness, and strong healthcare infrastructure.
The Nigerian government and international partners, including WHO, have set the goal of eliminating TB by 2030 as part of the global Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving this target will require not only treating confirmed cases but also strengthening prevention, improving immunization rates, and addressing gaps in healthcare delivery systems.
Dr. Bagana affirmed that Niger State is committed to implementing these measures, ensuring that all identified TB patients receive adequate care. He also stressed the importance of community involvement in recognizing TB symptoms and seeking timely medical attention.
The WHO has consistently warned that reductions in donor funding, as seen since 2025, threaten the sustainability of TB programs in Nigeria. Without adequate financing, the distribution of drugs, diagnostic tools, and essential health commodities may be disrupted, putting thousands at risk of untreated TB.
Dr. Dauda called on the state government to increase domestic funding for TB treatment and prevention, emphasizing that reliance solely on international donors is not sustainable. He highlighted that effective planning, budgeting, and monitoring are crucial to meeting the 2030 elimination target.
In addition to treatment and funding, officials emphasized the need for increased public awareness about tuberculosis. Community education, early detection campaigns, and promoting adherence to treatment are critical components in controlling the spread of TB.
Health workers and advocacy groups have also highlighted the importance of reducing stigma associated with the disease, which can prevent patients from seeking care promptly.