The Nation Newspaper

Tag: health sector

  • Why health sector needs reforms in 2026, by NMA

    Why health sector needs reforms in 2026, by NMA

    Nigeria’s health sector requires all-round reforms in 2026, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has said.

    The association said its position was informed by the alleged lapses the sector recorded in the outgoing year.

    The NMA said the sector, in 2025, recorded a weak policy focus, persistent workforce crises and poor financing.

    It noted that the lapses have continued to undermine healthcare delivery across the board.

    In a year-end review of the Federal Government’s health sector performance, the Lagos Chairman of the association, Dr. Saheed Babajide Kehinde, described the performance of the sector as “highly unfortunate, unacceptable and disappointing”.

    He blamed the government for the alleged lack of clear priorities by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare as well as the insufficient political attention to healthcare delivery.

    In a statement yesterday, the Lagos NMA chairman said 2025 witnessed an absence of decisive interventions to address the worsening “Japa syndrome,” the mass emigration of healthcare professionals, alongside poor remuneration, weak welfare packages and inadequate training opportunities for health workers.

    Read Also: Oladeji: Advancing maternal and child health through mental-health integration

    Kehinde noted that industrial disputes dominated much of the year, with the Federal Government struggling to manage recurring strikes by health sector unions and professional bodies.

    The disruptions, he said, repeatedly denied the citizens access to essential healthcare services.

    Kehinde also faulted the ministry’s perceived emphasis on data collection, research and engagement with international partners, arguing that this focus was at the expense of strengthening the core healthcare delivery system, particularly at the primary healthcare level.

    Nigeria’s health indices remained troubling in 2025, the Lagos NMA chairman said, citing poor progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), low health insurance penetration and the rising cost of healthcare services. High prices of drugs, consumables, medical equipment and diagnostic services have continued to place care beyond the reach of many Nigerians.

    Other persistent challenges highlighted in the review include poor budgetary allocation to the health sector, low healthcare financing, unreliable power supply to health institutions and weak attention to primary healthcare, which is meant to serve as the foundation of the country’s health system.

    Kehinde acknowledged modest gains in health infrastructure development, particularly in hospital buildings, but stressed that physical structures alone cannot deliver quality healthcare without adequate staffing, equipment, power supply and sustainable financing.

    Looking ahead, the NMA Lagos chairman outlined a comprehensive reform agenda it believes should define the federal government’s health priorities in 2026.

    Top of the list is the introduction of better living wages and improved remuneration for healthcare workers, alongside enhanced welfare packages aimed at retaining skilled professionals in the country.

    To curb the “Japa syndrome,” the union leader proposed a mix of incentives, including affordable housing and car loans, regular training and retraining, clear career progression pathways, access to modern equipment, overseas training opportunities and more worker-friendly policies. He also called for a halt to assaults on healthcare workers and demanded non-taxable call duty allowances.

    Baring his mind on service delivery in the sector, the chairman urged the government to make healthcare more accessible, affordable and qualitative by expanding the University Hospital College (UHC) in Ibadan, reforming health insurance policies and reducing the cost of care through lower tariffs on medical equipment and consumables, as well as price control measures on essential drugs.

    The association also renewed its call for the implementation of the extended retirement age for healthcare workers, stronger prioritisation of primary healthcare and deeper collaboration between government and private hospitals to reduce mortality and improve access.

    Other recommendations include improving power supply to health institutions, reviewing health sector budgetary allocation from about six per cent to the 15 per cent target set under the Abuja Declaration, and ensuring transparency and efficiency in the use of health funds.

    Dr. Kehinde also urged the Minister of Health to adopt a more inclusive and respectful approach to industrial relations, noting that unresolved strikes, such as those involving the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), have had severe consequences for patients.

    He also advocated the establishment of specialist hospitals across the six geopolitical zones, including infectious disease centres, and improved security and working conditions to reduce burnout and mental stress among healthcare workers.

    The 2025 review underscored long-standing structural challenges in Nigeria’s health sector and sets a clear benchmark for performance in 2026.

    For the federal government, health experts say the coming year will be a defining test of its willingness to move beyond policy rhetoric and deliver concrete reforms that place healthcare workers and patients at the centre of national development.

  • Nigeria, EU seal deals to boost local manufacturing, stimulate health sector

    Nigeria, EU seal deals to boost local manufacturing, stimulate health sector

    The Federal Government, has gone into partnership with the European Union (EU) in three landmark agreements aimed at strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing, attracting investment, and advancing reproductive health across West Africa.

    The agreements, part of the EU Global Gateway Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies (MAV+) initiative and SRHR flagships, are designed to support a new generation of local producers and innovators to build a stronger and more resilient health ecosystem.

    The three projects include Enabling Local Manufacturing of Health, Immunisation and Nutrition Commodities in Nigeria (ELM-N), Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria), and Strengthening Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in West Africa.

    Speaking at the Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum in Abuja on Thursday, hosted by the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Vice President Kashim Shettima said the agreements reaffirm the government’s commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven health economy.

    Shettima, represented by Dr. Uju Rochas, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Health, highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order on local production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices as a turning point in Nigeria’s health sector.

    “Through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain and complementary frameworks such as the sector-wide approach, this administration has taken concrete steps to strengthen governance, attract investment, and promote local manufacturing,” he said.

    He emphasised that the Federal government remains steadfast in creating an enabling environment for investors through predictable regulations, strong institutions, and effective public-private partnerships.

    Read Also: DIPA extends menstrual health support to 1,000 Lagos schoolgirls 

    “Our message is clear, Nigeria is open for health investment, innovation, and impact. The President has made it clear that Nigeria’s health transformation will not rely on aid and dependency but on government-led ownership, accountability, and innovation, made in Nigeria, for Nigerians, and by Nigerians,” he emphasized.

    Commending the EU, PVAC, and other development partners for their contributions to health security and industrialization, Shettima added, “Let this forum mark the beginning of a new chapter defined by shared prosperity, local innovation, and global collaboration.”

    EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the forum represents Team Europe’s collective effort to strengthen health systems across borders through strategic investments.

    “Working with partners including Nigerian authorities, the United Nations, and the private sector, we must build robust and efficient health systems to ensure prosperity for all,” he noted.

    Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria and ECOWAS, noting its support for initiatives ranging from immunization and polio eradication to family planning and medical research. 

    He highlighted ongoing EU projects worth €45 million in Nigeria and €25 million in West Africa, funded alongside the Agence Française de Développement and the Gates Foundation, focused on reproductive, maternal, and child health.

    “We also have upcoming initiatives in digital health and public health systems. More importantly, we want to support the paradigm shift taking place in Nigeria and West Africa, from aid to collaboration, from isolated projects to dynamic investment strategies,” he said.

    The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, described the agreements as timely, coming at a period when Nigeria is deepening reforms and expanding partnerships to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.

    “We are talking about mutual prosperity and mutual gain. Both the EU and Nigeria can win together because the absorptive capacity of the Nigerian economy is vast. 

    “The political will to get it right is strong, and the Tinubu administration has taken some of the boldest steps to put the economy on a sustainable path,” he said.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, represented by Dr. Olubunmi Aribeana, Director of Food and Drug Services at the ministry, said Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda is anchored on three pillars, strengthening local production of pharmaceuticals, expanding access to essential medicines and vaccines, and advancing reproductive health and rights.

    “Local production of health commodities is not just an economic choice but a strategic health security priority,” he said, adding that the government is committed to ensuring that made-in-Nigeria health products serve the nation, the region, and the world.

  • Transforming health sector

    Transforming health sector

    • No section of the country should complain of marginalisation within two years of Tinubu administration

    Over the years, it has been said that Northern Nigeria, especially the far North, is the least developed part of the country. From the economic sector  to the health, education, housing and even the civil service, all indices point to a region calling for special attention. This must have informed the Tinubu administration’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Blueprint that has impacted more people in the North.

    As leaders from the North gathered in Kaduna to review the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s performance in its two years in office earlier this week, officials of government from the region led the charge in defending its equitable distribution of resources. Leaders such as Alhaji Atiku Bagudu who is in charge of economic planning and budgetary matters, Professor Ali Pate of the health and social welfare ministry and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, rose stoutly to explain government policies and combat the narrative that the North has been shortchanged.

    One area where the government came out shining after presentation of facts was the health sector. It is a well-known fact that maternal health has been neglected in the region for too long. In 154 facilities, obstetric complications are treated free under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Armed with statistics, Professor Pate explained that 74 local government areas in the North had been designated as priority areas, with 500 primary health care centres upgraded.

    Read Also: NEC approves fresh funding for NEMA, States to boost flood response

    One disease largely peculiar to the region is the Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), resulting from birth complication mostly among pregnant girls. The Federal Government has taken up the responsibility of full treatment, including surgery, with a view to rehabilitating them, thus curing them of being socially ostracised for no fault of theirs.

    There is so much more to be done in the North and other parts of the country. This has little to do with this administration as infrastructure, health, education and other sectors have cried for rehabilitation for so long. It will obviously take more than two years or one term of a government to achieve. Leaders at the federal and other tiers of government have to roll up their sleeves, work in coordinated manner to take Nigeria out of the doldrums.

    The Tinubu administration has demonstrated good faith in the past two years and needs encouragement from all. Needless ethnic sentiments can only distract and possibly derail the plans that have been laid out by the government. Even those in opposition should just come up with more beautiful and concrete plans, realising that Nigeria is in crisis situation requiring all hands on desk.

    What confronts the country today is akin to a nation at war on all fronts. A government that saw the need to bring down the cost of dialysis all over the country, build more than 1,000 primary health care centres, intervene directly in giving livelihood to the vulnerable and is collaborating with the sub nationals in boosting production of pharmaceuticals deserve commendation for coming this far in only two years.

    Government has said that its target is health security. We hope it could be achieved substantially within the next two years. It is not a matter of the North or the South. All Nigerians deserve better health coverage through the insurance policy that has remained largely restricted to federal civil servants. Government should work out a policy for other workers in the formal and informal sectors of the economy. Politicising matters of concern to all is not in the national interest.

  • Nigeria secures over $2.2bn funding commitments for health sector reforms – Tinubu

    Nigeria secures over $2.2bn funding commitments for health sector reforms – Tinubu

    Nigeria has secured over $2.2 billion in health sector commitments through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, launched by the Tinubu administration in December 2023.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who disclosed this on Thursday while he officially commissioned the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja, said the initiative is aimed at revolutionising the nation’s entire healthcare sector.

    The initiative, which is already underway, aims to renovate over 17,000 primary health centres, train 120,000 frontline health workers, and double national health insurance coverage within three years.

    Speaking during the commissioning ceremony of the AMCE, President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that it is not just about unveiling a structure of steel and bricks, but also unveiling Nigeria’s “collective refusal to accept medical vulnerability as destiny.”

    According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, President Tinubu described the project as a monument to African resilience and innovation, and a bold step toward Nigeria’s emergence as a global healthcare hub.

    The President narrated reforms and investments made since he took office two years ago, including the signing of an Executive Order to unlock the healthcare value chain and the launch of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).

    These policies, he said, have intensified local pharmaceutical production, improved regulatory systems, and expanded access to diagnostics.

    “But our efforts did not end there. In December 2023, we launched the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. That initiative secured over $2.2 billion in health sector commitments, with clear, measurable targets: to renovate over 17,000 primary health centres, train 120,000 frontline health workers, and double health insurance coverage within three years. These are not aspirations. These are milestones already in motion,” the President explained. 

    The President noted that AMCE, a state-of-the-art facility developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London, will serve as a leading centre for advanced treatment, medical training, and research.

    The facility, according to him, hosts the largest stem cell laboratory in West Africa and will expand to include a teaching hospital, nursing school, and residential quarters for medical personnel.

    Paying tribute to Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah, President Tinubu said, “I must pay tribute to Afreximbank and its visionary President, Professor Benedict Oramah, for seeing what many dared not dream. This is what becomes possible when institutions rise to African challenges with African solutions.”

    President Tinubu also stressed the importance of infrastructure investment through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, even as he said, “A world-class hospital cannot function on a dirt road, and no MRI machine works without stable electricity. We are investing in the roads, power, and connectivity that breathe life into health facilities.

    “With your planned Medical and Nursing School on this campus, and with partners ranging from King’s College London to the University of Wisconsin, you are laying the foundation for a new generation of African medical specialists—specialists who will no longer be exported but empowered at home,” he stated.

    He assured continued government support for the initiative, saying it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. “This is not just a place to treat the sick—it is a place to train for the future,” he added.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said that with the establishment of the Afreximbank African Medical Centre of Excellence, Nigeria is today healthier and wealthier than before.

    He pointed out that if figures were to be displayed, the edifice would cost not less than $400 million mobilised by the private sector.

    He said this type of establishment could not come at a better time than this for Africa to have a hospital that can handle different medical associations on the continent, adding, “The hospital is a marvel of science and modernity of facility.”

    Earlier in his remarks, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank, Prof. Benedict Orama, said the event was a testimony that “society is better-off serving lives that burying its death and that it’s a living person that can contribute to the development and social transformation.”

    Recalling his ordeal as a sick person admitted at the King’s College Hospital in London, he stated that the only way he could appreciate the Almighty God, the Afreximbank colleagues and those who saved his life was to contribute to creating quality healthcare infrastructure and services.

    Read Also: Tinubu inaugurates 180Mw Afam II Power Plant

    Prof. Orama said one of the contributions he could make to Africa was to help Afreximbank “to deliver on its well-developed and documented structured strategy on medical care delivery and with Star Alliance, Kings College Hospital in London and twelve years of sick medical experience, the African Medical Centre of Excellence opens its door in Abuja.

    “African Medical Centre of Excellence is not just to provide top-notch medical care but also catalyse the transformation of the African health sector,” he added.

    Giving his goodwill message, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, thanked the President of Afreximbank, the Board of African Medical Centre for Excellence and everyone who worked to put the hospital in place.

    He said the hospital is an important institution that will stop medical tourism in Nigeria, as it will attract people to the nation to get the same benefits they would have received outside the shores of the country.

    Others who spoke at the event were Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, represented by Dr Jenista Joakim Mhagama, Minister of Health, Tanzania; Professor Clive Kay, Chief Executive, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Dr. Tajudeen Raji, Acting Deputy Director General and Head, Division of Public Health Institutes and Research, Africa Centre for Disease Control and many others.

  • FG commits to health sector local funding 

    FG commits to health sector local funding 

    The federal government has approved the ratification of the African Medicines Agency Treaty, positioning Nigeria to be part of a larger African market for locally produced medicines, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has said.

    Pate said the move aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its health system by leveraging domestic resources, noting that the country had anticipated a decline in global financial aid even before the United States government publicly announced cuts to funding for agencies supporting developing countries.

    Despite the anticipated funding challenges, Pate expressed gratitude to the United States for its extensive and generous support over the years. 

    He emphasized that the Nigerian government deeply appreciates the assistance received, which has played a crucial role in advancing the nation’s healthcare landscape.

    Read Also: Tinubu congratulates Bishop Oke on re-election as PFN president

    In a statement by Tashikalmah Hallah, Special Adviser on Media and External Relations to the Minister on Thursday, Pate reiterated government commitment to prioritizing health, adding that the focus has led to significant advancements and successes in the healthcare sector, reflecting the government’s determination to improve the well-being of its citizens.

    Pate was quoted as saying, “For the past 20 years or so, thanks to the generosity of the United States government and its people, many countries around the world have benefited from lifesaving interventions that have saved billions of lives from HIV, TB, and malaria.

    “For Nigeria, we sincerely appreciate all the support received from the United States. It is unwise for any country to think it can rely entirely on another country for the health and lives of its population.

    “The direction taken by the U.S. government is understandable, given its current interests, and we respect that. Here in Nigeria, we are focused on rebuilding our health system, strengthening and increasing our domestic resources, and providing services for our citizens.

    “We aim to cooperate with other countries in Africa and around the world to enhance biosecurity and health security while opening up our economy to private-sector investments”.

    The Minister further explained that the ratification of the African Medicines Agency Treaty will enable Nigeria to participate in a broader African market for locally manufactured medical products, fostering investment and innovation in the sector.

    “There are also investment opportunities in health that Americans are welcome to participate in. We have innovations, tools, systems, and technologies that we can trade. 

    “We are very open and confident that as the direction of the U.S. government evolves, Nigeria will continue to welcome genuine partnerships with the United States and other countries that share an interest in advancing humanity while respecting each nation’s interests,” Pate added.

  • Health sector gets $1b for human capital development

    Health sector gets $1b for human capital development

    • N4.8b for HIV/AIDS treatment
    • Nigeria braces for impact of U.S. policy shift in aid

    Amid a shift in the United States (U.S.) development assistance policy, Nigeria yesterday unveiled major strategies in domestic health sector investments.

    The strategies approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting in Abuja include a $1 billion initiative to strengthen human capital development and N4.8 billion for the Presidential Treatment Programme for HIV patients.

    Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who briefed reporters at the State House, Abuja, said a standing committee has been raised.

    Pate named representatives of the ministries of Finance, Health, Environment, Defense and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) as members of the committee saddled with developing a sustainability plan.

    The proactive steps taken by the Council to safeguard the health sector came after the U.S. government granted an emergency humanitarian waiver, pulling the brake on previous funding of HIV treatment in developing countries.

    The pause was initially ordered under an executive directive by President Donald Trump as part of a broader review of foreign aid.

    Nigeria has relied heavily on international assistance for HIV initiatives, particularly from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

    According to the minister, the FEC approved significant investments to ensure continued access to critical healthcare services, particularly for those affected by HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria.

    He said the N4.8 billion approved for the Presidential Treatment Programme for HIV patients will provide 150,000 treatment packs over the next four months, ensuring uninterrupted care for those living with HIV.

    “This allocation is critical for ensuring that those living with HIV continue to receive necessary treatments without interruption,” he said.

    Prof. Pate emphasised the government’s commitment to transitioning towards national healthcare financing and sustaining health programmes through domestic resources.

    Pate

    He said: “Nigeria will continue to prioritise the well-being of its citizens by ensuring access to essential treatments and services despite changes in international support.

    Read Also: CBN extends FX market access for BDCs to May 2025

    “To manage this transition, a committee comprising the Ministries of Finance, Health, Environment, and Defence, along with the Governor’s Forum, has been tasked with developing a sustainability plan.

    “The committee will work to mitigate the impact of U.S. policy shifts and maintain essential health services.”

    He said the $1 billion was approved under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme, which he noted has been developed in collaboration with the International Development Association (IDA).

    The HOPE programme will focus on health, education, and social protection.

    Half of the $1 billion ($500 million) will support governance reforms, including improved financial and human resource management at the state level and incentives for recruiting and training teachers and healthcare workers.

    The other $500 million will be directed towards strengthening primary healthcare, expanding emergency maternal/child health services and integrating digital health solutions.

    “These investments will enhance the quality and resilience of Nigeria’s healthcare system, ensuring that our people receive the care they need,” Prof. Pate said.

    Speaking on the recent U.S. policy changes, the minister said while Nigeria appreciates the contributions of the American government over the last 20 years, it is now focused on transforming its health sector, using national systems and domestic financing.

  • Healing the health sector

    Healing the health sector

    • Presidential initiative promising

    It is interesting that things appear to be looking up in  the country’s  health sector as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, laid out plans for the year.  The minister said the Presidential Initiative to unlock the Healthcare Value Chain is beginning to yield benefits.

    Last year, in the context of the general economic turmoil in the country, the pharmaceutical sector was badly hit. Prices of drugs, many of which are imported, reached for the roof, thus affecting many patients who were forced to pay from their pockets. It is commendable that President Bola Tinubu came up with the Executive Order meant to streamline things in the industry, attract foreign investors and protect local manufacturers. According to Pate, this is beginning to yield fruits.

    The news that the European Investment Bank and the African Export Import Bank (Afrexim) have shown great interest in supporting the Nigerian government initiative is gladdening. The pan-African investment bank, in particular, is said to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding towards encouraging manufacturing in the all-important sector of the society with one billion dollars pledged.

    President Tinubu deserves commendation for bringing in as minister the vastly experienced Pate who has worked in the private and public sectors and has international experience as well. This is beginning to encourage stakeholders to participate in government plans. We hope he will be able to get the federal civil service as well as the state governments to cooperate. This is very important as health is on the concurrent list of the constitution. Besides, the states are closer to the people and work more closely with the local governments. If all tiers work in synergy, the country would benefit, and initiatives and policies from the top would have more impact among the people.

     As Pate disclosed, more than 70 companies have already shown interest in establishing presence in the country, with promise to establish about 22 large-scale projects. This has implications for employment and driving down costs of medications. Already, the Executive Order signed by the President last August removing tariffs on active pharmaceutical ingredients is said to be yielding some results in terms of ramping up production of drugs at the domestic level, syringes, needles and rapid diagnostic kits. More is expected to be achieved before 2030.

    Nigeria has so much potential. The pulling out of some international giants like Glaxo SmithKline had set off an alarm in the industry and among the general public. It turned out that the companies were responding to the general inclement economic climate in Africa. If the country is to achieve much more, the Ministry of Health will have to work closely with the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Planning as well as Investment, Trade and Industry.

    Read Also: Health sector kicks off industrialisation programme

    Agencies of government such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Customs Service have to improve on their services so that foreign companies that have shown interest in coming into the country may be encouraged. The usual encumbrances at the ports of entry, and with obtaining necessary approvals have to be consciously combated. For so long, lip service has been paid to ease of doing business; officials in the presidency saddled with that responsibility must sit up, otherwise little would be achieved. 

    This plan is too important to be left to the executive arm of government alone. Lawmakers have a primary duty to represent their people and ensure that the executive arm does what is expected of it. So far, it is obvious that the legislators are hardly involved in actual monitoring of the actions of government departments and officials. On this programme, the committee on health and other relevant committees of the national and state legislatures should sit up and hold those saddled with implementation to account. While we are not advocating confrontation, progress can only be made when all arms and agencies of government live up to expectation.

     Pate should realise that his reputation is at stake. What he does in this respect could determine what the public thinks of him irrespective of how he has discharged other responsibilities. The COVID-19 epidemic exposed so much about the country’s health system. It was so bad Boss Mustapha, who was Secretary to the Government of the Federation, confessed that he did not appreciate how bad things were until he was confronted with the state of things, especially in the public hospitals.

    All funds coming in or being raised for this project must be fully monitored and accounted for. It is not enough that international funding banks or agencies rise in support of the project. There should be no viring of budgeted funds if the objective is to be achieved. Besides, allocations to the health sector have been paltry over the years. For 2025, the estimate is a paltry 5 percent, as against the 15 percent recommended by the 2001 Abuja Declaration.

    If Nigeria could get things right in the health sector, not only will sorely needed foreign exchange be conserved but patients from other African countries would be attracted. In considering improvement in medical consumables and drugs, the government should also encourage tertiary health institutions to ramp up training in medical engineering, even if some have to be sent abroad to achieve this. 

    This is a time of emergency in the medical sector generally, and pharmaceuticals in particular. All eyes are on Pate and his team.

  • How we plan to revamp Nigeria’s health sector, by NNMDA

    How we plan to revamp Nigeria’s health sector, by NNMDA

    • By integrating indigenous natural remedies with cutting-edge scientific research, NNMDA seeks to tackle critical health challenges—such as cholera, diabetes, sickle cell disease, and antimicrobial resistance—while championing sustainable, locally-sourced solutions for the future

    Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, from underfunded hospitals to a lack of access to quality care, particularly in rural areas. However, amid these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the potential of natural medicine as a complement to conventional healthcare. The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), a government agency dedicated to promoting and developing Nigeria’s indigenous natural healthcare practices, is poised to play a transformative role in this shift.

    During a recent media parley in Lagos, the Director-General of NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, revealed that the agency aims to leverage the rich diversity of Nigeria’s herbal knowledge and indigenous healing practices to address the country’s healthcare needs while encouraging innovation, sustainable practices, and increased access to affordable treatment. He also shared the agency’s strategic vision to integrate natural medicine into the national healthcare framework and how it plans to revamp Nigeria’s health sector.

    One of the key priorities for the agency in 2025 is combating cholera using indigenous medicine, marking a significant advancement in addressing the persistent public health challenge in Nigeria. The NNMDA boss said that the agency is tapping into traditional remedies that have been effective in treating cholera in local communities for centuries. Emeje explained that the agency’s initiative to develop a locally sourced cholera medicine is part of a broader strategy to promote and integrate natural medicine within Nigeria’s healthcare system. He expressed confidence in the potential of indigenous remedies, stating, “We believe that traditional medicine holds immense promise. By collaborating with traditional healers, we are working to harness these time-honoured remedies in a scientifically rigorous manner to benefit the health of our people.”

    He also highlighted the agency’s ongoing progress, noting, “We are encouraged by the results so far and believe this cholera medicine could have a profound impact, not only in Nigeria but across Africa and beyond.” In addition, Emeje stressed the urgent need for enhanced research into indigenous medicine, advocating for its systematic documentation and formal recognition. He also underscored the importance of developing strategies to tackle antimicrobial resistance and to address diseases that impact both human and livestock populations. By strengthening traditional medicine practices, the NNMDA is not only seeking to improve healthcare in Nigeria but also positioning indigenous remedies as a vital component of global health solutions.

    Prof. Emeje, a distinguished expert in drug discovery and development, outlined the NNMDA’s strategic initiatives for 2025, emphasising a multifaceted approach to improving public health through indigenous medicine. He shared that the agency is currently working on creating a comprehensive database of traditional medicine, alongside a detailed review of Nigeria’s vast biodiversity, to support and advance research. Emeje also highlighted NNMDA’s recent success in securing significant research grants, which will be utilised to combat antimicrobial resistance, a growing global health threat.

    “We are focusing on identifying medicinal plants that are specific to certain regions, developing targeted products for the diseases that are prevalent in those areas,” he explained, underscoring how the agency’s approach is tailored to address local health needs. This strategy, he added, is designed to empower communities, reduce their dependency on foreign medical aid, and foster sustainable healthcare solutions. The solutions to our health problems are already here; we just need to tap into them,” he emphasised, reiterating the potential of indigenous knowledge and resources in addressing Nigeria’s health challenges.

    As part of its 2025 agenda, NNMDA is also focusing on tackling livestock diseases, with international collaborations already underway with research institutions in the Netherlands and India to develop herbal treatments. Furthermore, the agency is prioritising the development of antidotes for snakebites, a particularly serious health issue in regions like Katungu in Gombe State, where venomous snakes pose a frequent danger. “Snakebites are a major health threat. With the right funding and resources, we are prepared to create effective treatments and deploy them quickly,” he assured.

    Reflecting on the agency’s achievements in 2024, Emeje praised NNMDA’s innovative use of nanotechnology in creating indigenous herbal products for cholera treatment. “Our approach is rooted in research, science, technology, and innovation. We treat every disease as an urgent challenge, requiring a thoughtful, immediate response,” he concluded, affirming the agency’s commitment to leveraging modern scientific tools to enhance traditional healing practices and improve healthcare outcomes for Nigeria and beyond.

    New herbal products launched with plans to commercialise for broader impact

    The agency has recently unveiled a new line of indigenous herbal products aimed at addressing critical public health challenges in Nigeria. These products, which combine centuries-old traditional knowledge with modern scientific research, are designed to tackle pressing issues such as cholera, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and other common health concerns in local communities. In a media briefing held in Lagos, Prof. Emeje emphasised that the launch marks a significant milestone in the agency’s ongoing efforts to establish indigenous medicine as a viable, effective alternative to conventional treatments. “This initiative is a reflection of our dedication to using Nigeria’s rich natural resources to develop healthcare solutions that are both accessible and sustainable,” he stated.

    Among the most notable products in the newly launched range is an herbal remedy specifically formulated to combat cholera, a disease that continues to be a major health challenge in Nigeria. The cholera treatment was developed using indigenous plants known for their antibacterial and anti-diarrheal properties. NNMDA has worked closely with traditional healers and modern scientists to ensure that the product meets high standards of efficacy and safety. “We are not simply reviving traditional remedies; we are enhancing them through rigorous research, testing, and innovation. This cholera medicine has already shown promising results in clinical trials, and we are confident it will play a key role in curbing cholera outbreaks in Nigeria and beyond,” Emeje explained.

    Read Also: 10 years on, HFN reflects on health sector gains, UHC drive

    In addition to the cholera remedy, NNMDA has developed herbal products aimed at addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These products utilise medicinal plants with potent antimicrobial properties that have been used by local communities for generations. By focusing on natural alternatives to overused antibiotics, NNMDA hopes to mitigate the global crisis of antibiotic resistance, particularly in rural and underserved areas where healthcare access can be limited. “AMR is a global health threat, and we are proud to contribute to the solution. Our products provide a natural alternative to conventional antibiotics and help reduce the overuse of synthetic medicines, which is one of the main drivers of resistance,” Prof. Emeje stated.

    The launch of these herbal products is not just a healthcare initiative; it is also a vital part of NNMDA’s broader strategy to empower local communities. By sourcing raw materials from local farmers and collaborating with traditional healers, the agency is promoting economic development in rural areas. The commercialisation of these products, Emeje noted, will create jobs, stimulate local economies, and foster sustainable agricultural practices. “We’re not only addressing health challenges, but also providing a new economic pathway for farmers, herbalists, and local entrepreneurs. This is a holistic approach to public health, where the benefits extend to the entire community,” he said.

    As part of its long-term strategy, NNMDA is also focused on the commercialisation of these herbal products. Prof. Emeje revealed that the agency plans to partner with both local and international companies to scale up production, distribution, and marketing. The goal is to make these products widely available across Nigeria and other African countries, ensuring that indigenous remedies become a mainstay in the healthcare sector. “We are in the process of finalising partnerships with both local distributors and international pharmaceutical companies. By commercialising these products, we aim to ensure that they are accessible to all Nigerians, particularly in remote areas where conventional healthcare services are scarce. With the right investments and collaborations, these products can reach a global market, helping to establish Nigeria as a leader in traditional medicine,” Emeje explained.

    The newly launched herbal products also address other significant health issues in Nigeria, such as snakebites and livestock diseases. In areas like Gombe State, where venomous snakebites are a common concern, the agency has developed a herbal antidote that could save lives by providing a local solution to this public health threat. Additionally, NNMDA is collaborating with international partners in the Netherlands and India to develop herbal treatments for diseases that affect livestock, a critical concern for Nigeria’s agricultural economy. “Snakebites are a major health threat in certain regions, and we are fully committed to creating affordable, effective treatments for our people. With the right investment and support, we are ready to scale these treatments rapidly,” Emeje said.

    He also outlined the agency’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the mass production of indigenous medicines, particularly for critical diseases like cholera and sickle cell anemia. The DG revealed that NNMDA is actively engaging with key stakeholders and regulatory bodies to expedite the process of bringing promising natural remedies to the mainstream healthcare system. The agency is currently in advanced stages of preparation, awaiting approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to move forward with clinical studies and trials for these medicines, paving the way for their mass production. “While we are waiting for regulatory approvals, we have already made significant strides in preparing for the next phases of research and production. We are working tirelessly to ensure that these products are ready to meet the needs of Nigerians, and we will soon unveil new products in 2025,” Prof. Emeje said.

    The director-general also highlighted the growing recognition of NNMDA’s work on the international stage. “Our efforts to integrate natural medicine into mainstream healthcare are increasingly being acknowledged globally. We are receiving support and recognition from international health organisations, which reinforces the significance of our work,” Emeje stated. As part of its broader strategy to expand the development of natural medicines, NNMDA recently secured a four-year grant from the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR). This grant will help fund further research and development of indigenous medicines, strengthening the agency’s capacity to develop and commercialise new treatments. Additionally, NNMDA is collaborating with 16 professors of medicine from Nigeria’s top universities, who are contributing their expertise to enhance the agency’s research initiatives. This collaboration is expected to bolster Nigeria’s capacity to develop world-class natural medicine solutions.

    NNMDA’s capacity-building efforts include training local researchers, expanding research infrastructure, and fostering stronger collaboration with Nigeria’s universities and research institutions. These initiatives are crucial for ensuring that the agency can continue to develop innovative healthcare solutions using indigenous knowledge. Looking to the future, Emeje is optimistic about the role that indigenous medicine will play in Nigeria’s healthcare system. “We are on the verge of a transformative shift in healthcare. Natural medicine is not just an alternative; it is a key part of the solution to many of Nigeria’s health challenges. With the right support, we can make indigenous medicines a mainstream part of our healthcare delivery,” he said.

  • Health sector kicks off industrialisation programme

    Health sector kicks off industrialisation programme

    Nigeria’s healthcare sector is undergoing several changes, including the adoption of new technologies, the development of a national health insurance scheme, and the creation of a national strategic health development plan. DELE ANOFI reports.

    Mindful of the need to provide adequate health care for Nigerians, the Federal Government has reiterated its determination to revitalise the country’s health sector. It tends to achieve this through industrialisation which will sustain the unlocking of the sector’s value chain to meet the goal of improving the health outcomes of the citizens.

    To this end, it has secured significant investments, including a $1 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Export-Import (Afrexim) Bank and financing mechanisms from the European Investment Bank.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate in a broadcast he posted on his Ministry’s X microblogging platform, said five development finance institutions are now advancing cooperation to support the effort.

    “Additionally, over 70 healthcare manufacturing companies have aligned with the initiative, and 22 large-scale projects are under active discussion with international financiers,” he said.

    Key milestones, according to him, include an agreement with Abbott Diagnostics to establish a plant for manufacturing rapid diagnostic test kits for malaria and other diseases, and plans with the Global Gases Group to set up a cryogenic air separation plant for medical oxygen.

    According to him, Siemens Health has also committed to establishing an ultrasound assembly plant in Nigeria.

    “Active pharmaceutical ingredients are another critical area of focus. Just recently, I inaugurated the beta-lactam antibiotics facility in Lagos, established by Jawa Investments.

    “The facility is a game-changer for our health sector, bringing us closer to self-sufficiency in producing essential antibiotics such as amoxicillin clavulanic acid.

    “The Jawa facility has already created over 700 jobs, providing the much-needed employment opportunities for our youths and boosting local communities.

    Read Also; Why Christians should go into politics – Kumuyi

    “This is medical industrialisation in action, job creation, increased production capacity and economic impact,” the minister said.

    However, he emphasised that the major transformation Nigeria’s health sector is witnessing is down to the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who is committed to revitalising the industry to foster job creation, enhance economic value and strengthen domestic manufacturing.

    To underscore the President’s commitment, he noted that in October 2023, the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PIVAC) was launched, with Abdu Mukhtar, who was poached from the African Development Bank (AfDB), appointed as its National Coordinator.

    He, however, explained that despite initial challenges, collaborative efforts with stakeholders have addressed key issues, paving the way for PIVAC to deliver on its objectives.

    “PIVAC is a bold step toward transforming our healthcare sector from a consumption-driven model to one that creates jobs and strengthens our economy,” he said.

    He said the initiative has ambitious goals, including achieving 70 per cent local pharmaceutical production by 2030, expanding the life sciences manufacturing workforce from 20,000 to 50,000, and establishing multiple plants to produce vaccines and other medical supplies.

    It also aims at doubling Nigeria’s pharmaceutical market share in Africa to 15 per cent, he added, saying: “We have made significant progress since PIVAC was established.

    “In June 2023, President Tinubu signed an executive order prioritising local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, test kits and consumables. This is a historic step for our country and the continent,” he stated.

    He also stressed that efforts to localise vaccine production and other health commodities, including nutritional supplements, maternal and child health solutions, and medicines for non-communicable diseases, are steadily progressing.

    He added that regulators such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) are being strengthened to ensure a robust and facilitative environment for local industries.

    “Our goal is to create a regulatory framework that encourages local industries to thrive while allowing us to trade for products we cannot yet produce.

    “For too long, Nigeria has relied heavily on imports for basic healthcare commodities. This is now beginning to change,” he said.

    Reflecting on the achievements so far, the minister emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting policies that promote industrial growth, job creation and economic development while fostering beneficial trade relationships.

    “These efforts are already yielding tangible results. Our collective work, systems, and early results are making a real difference in the lives of Nigerians,” he said.

    On the recognition of the ministry by SERVICOM for its efforts, receiving multiple awards, including the Special Recognition Award and the Best Performing Ministry award, Pate stressed that the awards are not just acknowledgments but a declaration of the ministry’s commitment to excellence in service delivery.

    “They challenge us to innovate further, perform better and deepen collaboration to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in accessing quality healthcare,” he noted, reiterating the government’s resolve to remain focused on delivering improved health outcomes for all Nigerians.

    So far, 53,000 health workers have been retrained. This is an impressive number to deliver integrated, high-quality services.

    Also, in furtherance of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on addressing the high cost of healthcare and enhancing access to healthcare services, the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) was redesigned, and today covers about 10 million Nigerians — with a record 2.4 million citizens enrolling in the national health insurance scheme in 2024 alone.

  • FG woos medical practitioners for health sector revival 

    FG woos medical practitioners for health sector revival 

    The federal government has called on medical practitioners in the country to remain patient and optimistic, assuring them of improved welfare and working conditions as part of broader efforts to revitalize Nigeria’s health sector. 

    The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, made the pledge in Abuja on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the 3rd National Health Summit, themed ‘Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria: Translating Policies into Impact’, organized by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). 

    The summit was declared open by Vice President Kashim, who was represented by the Coordinating Minister Pate.

    Pate, who commended the dedication and sacrifices of healthcare professionals, emphasized their role in maintaining industrial harmony despite significant challenges. 

    While reassuring them that ongoing government initiatives would address their concerns and ensure their efforts yield meaningful results, promising, the Minister outlined government actions aimed at transforming healthcare delivery, including policies to enhance working conditions, improve welfare packages, and create an enabling environment for medical practitioners. 

    He emphasized that these efforts are critical to achieving a resilient and efficient health system, ultimately benefiting both healthcare workers and the Nigerian population. 

    He said: “We must thank the practitioners and their leadership for maintaining a peaceful environment because, without that peace, that harmony in the sector would be very difficult to put the building blocks that we would all be proud of. 

    “Ultimately, there are issues, and there will be discomfort. Nigeria is going through a very challenging moment at this point but we believe that if we are determined and sincere, and if we put the patient at the center of attention, 

     I think all of these issues with dialogue, we can be able to resolve them”. 

    The Minister assured the medical practitioners and Nigerians of a more resilient and improved health sector, noting that the government’s health sector revitalization program is already delivering results. 

    He urged healthcare professionals to align with the government’s vision by prioritizing patient-centred care and fostering collaboration to achieve lasting reforms. 

    Highlighting progress, the Minister pointed to expanded access to cancer treatment and the revitalization of primary healthcare as significant milestones, while acknowledging the need for sustained efforts to consolidate these gains and address remaining challenges.

    While he acknowledged that much work remains to be done to meet the aspirations of universal health coverage, the Minister expressed optimism about achieving universal health coverage (UHC) through collective determination and patient-centred reforms, 

    Emphasizing the need for collaboration among stakeholders to sustain ongoing reforms and tackle persistent issues, he said, “If we remain committed and put patients at the heart of our efforts, we can overcome the challenges”.

    Read Also: Army exposes clerks to new technologies to counter cyberspace threats

    In his call to action for medical practitioners, Pate urged healthcare professionals to align with the government’s vision by prioritizing patient-centred care, fostering dialogue, and contributing to the sector’s stability. 

    Speaking on the sidelines of the Summit, the NMA President Prof. Bala Mohammed Audu, expressed cautious optimism about the Nigerian government’s policies and programs aimed at improving the health sector. 

    Addressing the ‘Japa syndrome’ the mass emigration of healthcare professionals, Audu noted that the government’s National Health Workforce Retention Policy, coupled with improved welfare and working conditions, could reverse the trend. 

    He stressed the urgency of paying salary arrears and employing more healthcare workers to reduce the strain on overstretched personnel.

    He highlighted key initiatives of the government such as addressing governance challenges, unlocking value chains in healthcare, and implementing measures to retain health workers as critical steps toward improving the country’s health indices.

    Noting that the theme of the Summit cannot be overemphasized, Audu emphasized the importance of translating well-crafted policies into actionable strategies, saying, “We want to move policies from the conceptual level to implementation, to ensure that field workers, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, fully understand and execute these policies to deliver quality, affordable, and patient-centred care.

    On the rising cost of medical consumables, Audu attributed it to economic challenges and the reliance on imports. 

    He, however, praised the government’s focus on boosting local pharmaceutical production, saying, “This long-term solution could significantly reduce costs and improve access to essential medications while strengthening the economy.”

    The Executive Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), emphasized the importance of effective policy implementation for national development, stressing that it must not be handled lightly. 

    Represented by Deputy Commandant Ibrahim Abdul, Marwa urged the association to carefully consider both the merits and demerits of advocating for the decriminalization of cannabis, particularly given the specific strains of cannabis present in the country.