Jun 10, 2026

Nigeria Postpones Landmark Global AMR Conference in Abuja

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, June 10, 2026— The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the postponement of the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Advancing Global AMR Commitments.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the government said the decision followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders and partners involved in the preparations.

A new date will be communicated in due course. The postponement comes as Nigeria was set to host this major international gathering for the first time on the African continent.

The conference was expected to bring together ministers, policymakers, scientists, civil society leaders, and international partners under the theme “One Health: Advancing Global AMR Commitments through Local Action.”

A Global Health Threat That Cannot Wait

Antimicrobial resistance — often described as the silent pandemic — poses one of the most serious threats to global health today.

It occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the drugs designed to kill them, making common infections harder to treat and routine medical procedures riskier.

Without urgent action, experts warn that AMR could undo decades of medical progress, turning treatable conditions into life-threatening ones and overwhelming health systems worldwide.

Nigeria’s decision to host the conference was seen as a strong signal of its commitment to tackling this challenge through the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Government Expresses Regret

The Federal Government expressed deep regret over any inconvenience the postponement may cause and thanked stakeholders for their understanding and continued cooperation.

“Our sincere appreciation goes to the Troika, the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR, Member States, development partners, international organisations, civil society groups, academia, youth networks, and other stakeholders for their continued support, collaboration, and commitment to the successful hosting of the Conference,” the statement read.

Preparatory activities will continue under the supervision of the Local Organising Committee and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Engagement with partners will also continue to ensure the conference is successfully convened at a later date.

Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment

Coordinating Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who signed the statement, emphasised that Nigeria remains honoured to host the important global gathering and reaffirms its commitment to advancing international collaboration against AMR.

“Antimicrobial resistance remains one of the most significant global health challenges of our time, requiring sustained commitment and coordinated action across countries and sectors,” the statement noted. “Nigeria looks forward to welcoming delegates to Abuja for the rescheduled Conference and to advancing collective global action against AMR.”

While the postponement may disappoint many who had been preparing for the June meeting, the government’s decision to consult widely before proceeding underscores the importance of getting the hosting right.

For a challenge as complex and urgent as AMR, careful preparation matters as much as the gathering itself.

The rescheduled conference is expected to provide a vital platform for renewed political commitment and practical steps to combat one of the defining health threats of our generation.