FG Urges Stakeholders to Strengthen Health System, Reaffirms Commitment to Universal Coverage

The Federal Government has called on stakeholders in the health sector to renew their commitment toward strengthening Nigeria’s health system and achieving universal health coverage.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the call at the APC Medical Council Health Roundtable Conference held in Abuja.
Dr. Salako said the administration is working to build a resilient health system where every Nigerian can access quality healthcare without financial hardship, health workers are adequately motivated, facilities are well equipped, and data guides decision-making.
While acknowledging progress recorded in the sector, the Minister admitted that gaps remain, noting that maternal and child mortality rates are still a concern and that many skilled health workers are leaving the country. He stressed that health system resilience requires sustained investment, political will, accountability, and collaboration among all stakeholders.
Dr. Salako explained that the government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has implemented several interventions in the past 30 months to strengthen the sector.
He highlighted programmes such as the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, National Health Insurance Authority reforms, immunization expansion, malaria and tuberculosis control initiatives, and maternal and child health programmes.
On human resources, the Minister disclosed that over 37,000 health workers have been recruited since 2023, with more than 75 percent in clinical roles. He also said a health workforce migration policy has been developed to improve retention and encourage collaboration with Nigerian professionals in the diaspora.
Dr. Salako further assured that the government will continue to promote transparency and accountability in health sector governance, while supporting coordination platforms at both federal and state levels.
He urged all stakeholders to recommit to building a stronger health system, saying only a healthy population can drive national prosperity and development.