NiMet Issues Meningitis Advisory, Identifies Kano, Sokoto, Nine Others As High Risk States
NiMet Warns Northern States of Increased Meningitis Risk Amid Dry Season
By Channels Television
Updated March 13, 2026
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a public health advisory warning that several northern states in Nigeria face a heightened risk of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) as dry season conditions intensify across the region.
In a notice shared on its X (formerly Twitter) account, NiMet explained that the disease is a serious infection affecting the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is commonly caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.
According to the agency, the infection spreads through respiratory droplets, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated environments.
High-Risk States Identified
NiMet listed several northern states as high-risk areas for the disease, including:
- Sokoto State
- Zamfara State
- Kebbi State
- Katsina State
- Kano State
- Jigawa State
- Adamawa State
- Gombe State
- Bauchi State
- Yobe State
- Borno State
Residents in central parts of the country were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected symptoms. Meanwhile, Plateau State, Oyo State, Cross River State, Edo State, Ekiti State, and Enugu State were categorised as low-vigilance areas.
“Stay informed. Follow public health guidance and participate in community awareness campaigns,” NiMet advised.
Prevention and Symptoms
The agency emphasised that vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent meningitis and urged Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene practices.
Recommended preventive measures include:
- Regular handwashing
- Avoiding the sharing of personal items such as cups and utensils
- Ensuring good ventilation in homes, schools, and public places
- Seeking early medical care when symptoms appear
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
NiMet warned that the disease can progress rapidly and become life-threatening within hours if untreated. However, early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment can significantly improve survival rates and reduce complications.
Recurring Outbreaks in Nigeria
Nigeria has experienced repeated meningitis outbreaks, particularly in northern regions located within Africa’s African Meningitis Belt, where dry, dusty weather and overcrowded conditions increase the risk of transmission.
In April 2025, the country received more than one million doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccines to respond to an outbreak that recorded over 800 cases and more than 70 deaths across several states.
The vaccination campaign targeted people aged one to 29, the group most vulnerable to the disease.
Health authorities say sustained vaccination programmes, stronger disease surveillance, and early medical treatment remain crucial in preventing deaths and controlling future outbreaks.