Nigeria has been removed from the list of polio endemic countries.
The announcement by the World Health Organisation (WHO), was made at a meeting of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in New York on Friday.
It follows Nigeria going more than a year without a case of wild polio.
However, three years without cases are required before it can be declared polio free.
The decision means there are just two endemic countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan – where transmission of the paralysing virus has never been interrupted, reports the BBC.
Jean Gough, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, said: “This is an important milestone, but it is too early to celebrate.
“We need to continue the efforts at every level if polio is to be eradicated.”
Also reacting to the development, Dr Ado Muhammad, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, said: “We Nigerians are proud today.
“With local innovation and national persistence, we have beaten polio. We know our vigilance and efforts must continue in order to keep Nigeria polio-free.” .
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