President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed at the announcement by the World Health Organisation that polio is no longer endemic in Nigeria. In a statement, the Presidency said Buhari was delighted by the announcement which followed the absence of any case of the wild polio virus in Nigeria since July 24, 2014.

The text of statement : “The President applauds the concerted efforts of government officials, health workers, volunteer groups, civil society, religious leaders, traditional rulers and international partners which resulted in this historic achievement.

“While he joins other Nigerians and the global community in celebrating Nigeria’s removal from the list of polio-endemic countries, President Buhari urges continued vigilance to ensure that Nigeria maintains this new status.

“The President directs all government ministries, departments and agencies involved in the polio eradication effort to remain proactively engaged and on guard against the re-emergence of the polio virus in Nigeria.

“He assures the World Health Organisation and the global community that the Federal Government will ensure that immunisation and surveillance activities continue across Nigeria to keep the country polio-free”.