Nigeria's Plateau state makes face masks mandatory on public buses amid worsening diphtheria outbreak

To combat a worsening diphtheria outbreak that has caused 23 deaths and 148 suspected cases in Plateau State, Nigeria, authorities are enforcing a mandatory face-mask policy on all state-owned TinCity Metro buses starting September 8, 2026. The Plateau Express Services Group is implementing this 'no face mask, no entry' rule across the Jos metropolis. This measure follows other state containment efforts, including the temporary closure of all primary and secondary schools.

TinCity Metro face mask mandate

• ▪Plateau Express Services Group announced it would provide a limited number of face masks at designated boarding points but advised TinCity Metro commuters to bring their own masks.
• ▪TinCity Metro buses operate across the Jos metropolis and neighboring local government areas, including Jos South, Barkin Ladi, and Bassa in Plateau State, Nigeria.
• ▪Plateau Express Services Group announced a 'no face mask, no entry' policy for all TinCity Metro buses in Plateau State, Nigeria, effective September 8, 2026.

Plateau State diphtheria outbreak

• ▪As of September 4, 2026, eight diphtheria patients in Plateau State were receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, while five others were treated at the Plateau Specialist Hospital.
• ▪A diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State, Nigeria, resulted in 148 suspected cases and 23 deaths in the two weeks preceding September 4, 2026, according to Health Commissioner Nicholas Baamlong.
• ▪Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected individuals, making crowded public spaces potential avenues for transmission.

Government containment measures

• ▪The Plateau State Government of Nigeria temporarily closed all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state as part of measures to contain the diphtheria outbreak.
• ▪The Plateau State Government of Nigeria extended its diphtheria containment measures to public transportation by implementing a face-mask requirement on TinCity Metro buses.