The recent study revealing that babies in Nigeria are being born with antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a alarming wake-up call that demands immediate and decisive action from the Nigerian government. This crisis not only threatens the lives of Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens but also poses a significant risk to public health and the future of medical treatment in the country.

To address this critical issue, the government must take the following steps:

1. Ban agricultural use of critical antibiotics: The government must immediately prohibit the use of colistin and other critically important antibiotics in livestock farming. This ban should be strictly enforced with severe penalties for violations.

2. Regulate antibiotic imports: Implement stringent controls on the importation of livestock feed containing antibiotics, particularly those banned in other countries. This will help prevent Nigeria from becoming a dumping ground for harmful agricultural practices.

3. Improve agricultural practices: Invest in programmes to educate farmers on alternative methods of disease prevention in livestock, such as improved hygiene, vaccination, and better animal husbandry practices. Provide financial incentives for farmers to transition to antibiotic-free farming.

4. Enhance healthcare infrastructure: Significantly increase funding for hospital infection control programmes, water sanitation, and hygiene facilities. This will help reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings and communities.

5. Strengthen antibiotic stewardship: Implement and enforce strict guidelines for the prescription and use of antibiotics in both human medicine and veterinary practice. This should include educating healthcare providers and the public about the dangers of antibiotic misuse.

6. Invest in research and surveillance: Allocate resources to conduct ongoing research into antibiotic resistance patterns in Nigeria and establish a robust national surveillance system to monitor and respond to emerging threats.

7. Collaborate internationally: Actively engage with global initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance, including participating in the upcoming UN High-Level meeting on antimicrobial resistance in September 2024.

8. Public awareness campaigns: Launch nationwide educational programmes to inform citizens about the dangers of antibiotic resistance and the importance of proper antibiotic use.

The government must recognize that this is not just a health issue, but a national security concern that threatens the country's future. The economic cost of inaction will far outweigh the investment required to address this crisis.

As we approach the UN High-Level meeting on antimicrobial resistance, Nigeria has the opportunity to demonstrate leadership on this critical global issue. By taking swift and comprehensive action now, the country can protect its newborns, preserve the efficacy of life-saving antibiotics, and set an example for other nations facing similar challenges.

The time for half-measures and delayed responses has passed. The government must act decisively to safeguard the health of its citizens and their future.