Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) warns that Nigeria faces a growing public health threat as widespread misuse of antibiotics in farms, aquaculture and food production fuels dangerous antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Speaking at the 2025 World Antimicrobial Awareness Week event in Lagos, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, says resistant bacteria emerging from farms are now spreading to humans through meat, fish, water and direct contact. She warns that “resistance anywhere is a threat everywhere,” stressing that AMR is now undermining Nigeria’s food chain and human health.
In a statement issued on sunday by NAFDAC Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, Adeyeye, represented by Special Assistant Dr Gbenga Fajemirokun — says the year’s theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” is a direct call to farmers, veterinarians and feed manufacturers.
“The theme reminds us that the fight against AMR extends beyond hospitals; it begins on our farms, in veterinary clinics, and across food production systems,” she says.
Director of Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products, Mrs Temitayo Stephanie Adeoye, says overuse of antibiotics in the animal sector is accelerating the emergence of “superbugs” that could return Nigeria to a pre-antibiotic era. “If not urgently addressed, the country risks returning to a time when minor infections could become fatal,” she warns.
NAFDAC urges farmers to adopt vaccines, better hygiene and biosecurity instead of routine antibiotics, while pharmacists are told to stop over-the-counter sales of animal antimicrobials.
“Responsible antimicrobial use is everyone’s responsibility,” Adeyeye concludes. “Protecting animals means protecting people.”
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Koko Maxwella 