By Michael Omotosho |
Nigeria has recorded another achievement in its fight against polio following the World Health Organization (WHO)’s accreditation of the Maiduguri National Polio Laboratory for Sanger sequencing, further strengthening the country’s disease surveillance and outbreak response capacity.
Nigeria Expands WHO-Recognised Polio Laboratory Network
The World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria announced that the newly accredited laboratory in Maiduguri joins the Ibadan laboratory, which received WHO accreditation in 2025, as part of Nigeria’s growing network of internationally recognised polio laboratories.
With this latest achievement, Nigeria now hosts two of only five WHO-recognised poliovirus sequencing laboratories in Africa, reinforcing the country’s leadership in polio surveillance on the continent.
Faster Detection, Stronger Outbreak Response
According to WHO Nigeria, the accreditation will significantly improve the country’s ability to detect, track, and respond to polioviruses more quickly and accurately.
The organisation explained that stool and environmental (wastewater) samples collected across the country can now be analysed faster, allowing health authorities to release results more promptly and respond to potential outbreaks before they spread.
The strengthened laboratory system will also enable surveillance teams to identify poliovirus strains at an earlier stage, supporting more targeted public health interventions to protect vulnerable communities.
WHO Highlights Commitment to Quality Standards
In a statement shared on its official X account, WHO Nigeria said the accreditation reflects the country’s continued commitment to maintaining high laboratory standards.
“Nigeria continues to strengthen its leadership in polio surveillance. Following the accreditation of the Ibadan laboratory in 2025, the Maiduguri National Polio Laboratory has now achieved WHO accreditation for Sanger sequencing, a major milestone that boosts Nigeria’s ability to detect, track, and respond to polioviruses quickly and accurately,” the organisation stated.
WHO added that the country’s laboratory system continues to meet its strict biosafety, biosecurity, and quality standards, ensuring reliable and timely testing.
Advancing the Goal of a Polio-Free Africa
The global health agency described the accreditation as more than a technical achievement, noting that every timely and accurate laboratory result strengthens efforts to eliminate polio.
“Every timely and accurate result brings us closer to a polio-free Africa, and Nigeria is proudly leading the way,” WHO Nigeria added.
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