LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigeria has been ranked among the top three countries worldwide for effective COVID-19 pandemic management, behind China and Japan.
The recognition was disclosed by Prof. Osondu Ogbuoji of Duke University’s Centre for Policy Impact in Global Health during a National Health Financing Dialogue. He credited Nigeria’s success to the Presidential Task Force, the NCDC, and strong leadership across health institutions.
Despite the achievement, Ogbuoji warned of future risks, estimating a 20% chance of another pandemic within a decade — potentially killing 2.5 million people annually if unprepared.
He urged research into Nigeria’s COVID-19 response to identify successes and gaps, while calling for stronger investment in antimicrobial resistance, maternal and child health, and better health data systems.
“We must prioritise financing, research, and strategic investment in health security,” he stressed.
