Nigeria may face a nationwide vaccine stockout within weeks, potentially leaving more than eight million children unprotected, according to civil society groups calling for the urgent release of ₦318 billion in outstanding immunisation funds.
The groups said vaccine supply is already thinning and urged the Ministry of Finance to release the ₦231 billion approved for 2025 and the ₦87 billion outstanding from 2024 before December 31.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, the coalition—including the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, Women Advocates for Vaccine Access and Africa Health Budget Network, Health Sector Reform Coalition Nigeria warned that the delay in releasing the immunisation funds threaten both child survival and the country’s standing with global health partners.
They stressed that the situation requires immediate action to avert a national health emergency.
Chika Offor, Chief Executive of the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, emphasised the urgency of the situation.
“The truth is stark and painful: a vaccine stockout is imminent if we do not release pending vaccine funds now. Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, preventing diseases, reducing mortality, and contributing to healthier communities and a stronger economy,” Offor said.
Offor, noted that despite the approval of ₦231 billion for immunisation in the 2025 fiscal year, not a single naira has been released, while an additional ₦87 billion from 2024 remains unpaid.
“Time is running out and so are our vaccine supplies. If these funds are not released now, the consequences will be devastating.
“By early December, we face the grim reality that over eight million Nigerian children may be left unprotected. That means 8 million children at risk of measles, polio, diphtheria, pneumonia, and other deadly vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Every week of delay deepens this risk. Every day without vaccines is a day too dangerous for our children and future,” she added.
She also further highlighted the broader implications for Nigeria’s international commitments:
“This crisis extends beyond health. It strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s credibility.
“If we default on our Gavi co-financing obligations, Gavi will be forced to suspend all financial support to Nigeria. ALL. That includes $110 million in approved cash support, and a hold on future funding requests.
“Worse still, it may cost Nigeria its eligibility for continued Gavi support from 2028, erasing potential savings of $127 million and undermining decades of progress in our immunization program,” Offor said.
Offor stressed that the issue is not just about numbers but the lives and trust of Nigerians.
“We are talking about the mothers who walk miles to clinics, the health workers who show up daily against all odds, and the local leaders who encourage every household to immunize their children all of them now waiting for a system that must not fail them.
“Nigeria has made remarkable progress in immunization coverage over the years. Together with Gavi, we have invested over $1.8 billion to protect our children. But without the immediate release of these funds, we risk losing the gains we have worked so hard to achieve,” she said.
The coalition noted that Nigeria has successfully eradicated Wild Polio Virus, and children today only hear about smallpox in history books. They are also close to reaching 106 million children in the ongoing measles–rubella integrated campaign, with 60 million already vaccinated.
“We also know that the Minister of Finance has committed 150 billion naira for immunization. We cannot afford to lose momentum if funds are stuck. If a choice must be made, choose immunization. Every naira released for vaccines saves lives and prevents far greater losses tomorrow,” Offor said.
The CSOs are urging the Federal Ministry of Finance to release the ₦231 billion approved for 2025 and the ₦87 billion outstanding from 2024 before December 31, warning that immediate action is critical to prevent a child survival crisis.
“The time for promises has passed. What we need now is action: swift, decisive, and compassionate action. Our children cannot wait because diseases do not wait. Their future cannot be postponed. The clock is ticking, because life is precious,” Offor emphasized.
Dr. Muhammed Lecky, Chairperson of the Health Sector Reform Coalition Nigeria, reinforced the urgency of the appeal, presenting his remarks in the form of a letter to the Honourable Minister of Finance.
He recalled that only a few days ago, on Wednesday, November 12, the Minister attended this year’s Joint Annual Review of Nigeria’s health system.
“Sir, you’d recall that I made a passionate plea to go beyond celebrating the much-talked-about rise in budget allocation to the Federal Ministry of Health and take decisive steps to cashback and release money to the Ministry,” Lecky said.
Speaking on behalf of the largest coalition of civil society organizations in the health sector, he urged the prompt release of funds for national immunization programs and essential health services.
“It is of grave concern that, with the year ending next month, funds appropriated to the Ministry of Health are yet to be released. If not by now in November, then when will funds meant for 2025 be released, with just one month left in the year?” he added.
