About the NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is the national public health institute with the mandate to lead the preparedness, detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. The first formal step to establish the NCDC took place in 2011 when some departments in the Ministry of Health, including the Epidemiology Division, the Avian Influenza Project and its laboratories; and the Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (NFELTP) were moved to form the nucleus of the agency. The Bill for an Act to establish NCDC was signed into law in November 2018, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Historical Background and Origin of the Commission

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was established in 2011 as a response to the increasing need for a coordinated approach to the prevention, detection, and management of infectious diseases in Nigeria. Before its creation, the management of public health emergencies was handled by various units within the Federal Ministry of Health, leading to fragmented and often inefficient responses to outbreaks. Recognizing the growing threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, the Nigerian government saw the need for a dedicated agency to strengthen disease surveillance and response systems.

The origins of the NCDC can be traced to existing health structures, such as the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system, which was implemented to track and respond to outbreaks of diseases like cholera, meningitis, and Lassa fever. These programs formed the initial framework for the NCDC, which began its operations as a department within the Ministry of Health. It was tasked with providing technical expertise and coordinating efforts to detect and control infectious diseases nationwide.

The turning point for the NCDC came with the outbreaks of diseases like Ebola in 2014 and the recurring Lassa fever epidemics, which underscored the urgent need for a stronger institutional framework to handle public health emergencies. The agency’s effective response to these outbreaks highlighted its critical role and bolstered its reputation as Nigeria’s leading institution for disease control and prevention.

In 2018, the NCDC was formally established as an autonomous agency through the passage of the NCDC Act by the National Assembly. This provided the legal and operational framework for the agency to carry out its mandate independently. The Act empowered the NCDC to lead public health efforts, develop policies for disease prevention and control, and collaborate with other organizations at local and international levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further solidified the importance of the NCDC. The agency played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s response, including testing, surveillance, risk communication, and advising the government on public health measures. Its efforts during the pandemic showcased its evolving capacity and commitment to protecting public health.

Today, the NCDC continues to expand its operations, with a focus on building a robust public health infrastructure, strengthening laboratory networks, and improving disease surveillance. Its mission is to protect the health of Nigerians by ensuring prompt responses to health emergencies and providing leadership in the prevention and control of infectious diseases.

Over time, the scope of the NCDC expanded, and in 2018, it was officially established as a full-fledged agency through the passage of the NCDC Act by the National Assembly. This legislation provided the agency with the legal framework and autonomy needed to effectively carry out its mandate. The Act empowered the NCDC to develop national policies, coordinate responses to public health emergencies, and provide leadership in disease prevention and control.

Throughout its history, the NCDC has faced numerous public health challenges, including major outbreaks of Ebola virus disease in 2014, Lassa fever, and meningitis. These events highlighted the critical role of the NCDC in coordinating responses, mobilizing resources, and working with local and international partners to contain outbreaks. The agency’s response during the Ebola outbreak, in particular, earned it recognition for its rapid and effective intervention.

More recently, the NCDC played a central role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. It led efforts in disease surveillance, case management, risk communication, and laboratory testing, while also advising the government on public health measures. The pandemic underscored the importance of the NCDC’s work and its ongoing efforts to build a resilient public health system capable of addressing both current and emerging health threats.

Today, the NCDC continues to strengthen its capacity, expanding its network of laboratories, training healthcare workers, and building partnerships to enhance disease control efforts. It remains committed to protecting the health of Nigerians through effective surveillance, response, and prevention strategies, while positioning Nigeria as a leader in public health within the African region.

Vision

A healthier and safe Nigeria through the prevention and control of diseases of public health importance.

Mission

To protect the health of Nigerians through evidence-based prevention, integrated disease surveillance and response activities, using a one health approach, guided by research and led by a skilled workforce.

Core Functions

  • Prevent, detect, and control diseases of public health importance.
  • Coordinate surveillance systems to collect, analyse and interpret data on diseases of public health importance.
  • Support states in responding to small outbreaks and lead the response to large disease outbreaks.
  • Develop and maintain a network of reference and specialised laboratories.
  • Conduct, collate, synthesise, and disseminate public health research to inform policy.
  • Lead Nigeria’s engagement with the international community on diseases of public health relevance
  • Organisation of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

The NCDC under the leadership of the Director General has a staff size of over 500. At the national level, this comprises staff working across three sites – the Headquarters and National Reference Laboratory (NRL), located in Abuja as well as the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) in Lagos State, a campus of the NRL. At the subnational level, there are State Surveillance Officers across the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Organizational Structure of the Commission

The NCDC currently operates through seven departments. These include:
  • Public Health Laboratory Services
  • Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
  • Planning, Research and Statistics
  • Surveillance and Epidemiology
  • Administration and Human Resources
  • Finance and Accounts
  • Subnational Support Department

Mandate of NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) was established in the year 2011 in response to the challenges of public health emergencies and to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and response to epidemics through prevention, detection and control of communicable diseases.

Services Render by the Commission

The services rendered by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) include:
  • Disease surveillance and monitoring.
  • Outbreak investigation and response.
  • Laboratory diagnostics and capacity building.
  • Public health emergency preparedness and response coordination.
  • Health education and risk communication.
  • Development of guidelines and policies for disease prevention and control.
  • Training and capacity building for healthcare workers.
  • Collaboration with national and international health organizations.
  • Data collection, analysis, and dissemination for public health decision-making.
  • Research and innovation in infectious disease control.

Summary

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has established itself as a vital institution in the country’s public health landscape. From its humble beginnings in 2011 to its formal establishment in 2018, NCDC has proven to be a critical player in safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigerians. The agency’s effective response to disease outbreaks such as Ebola, Lassa fever, and the global COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates its capacity to lead and coordinate public health efforts at both national and international levels.

As the primary authority for disease surveillance, prevention, and response in Nigeria, NCDC continues to build a strong infrastructure for public health, enhance laboratory networks, and develop policies aimed at protecting the population from emerging health threats. By fostering collaboration across various sectors and strengthening health systems, NCDC is paving the way for a healthier future for Nigeria. Through its ongoing commitment to public health, the agency ensures that the nation remains resilient in the face of any health emergency, prioritizing the safety and well-being of every Nigerian.