Health Minister Highlights Progress at 2025 Joint Annual Review
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, has announced significant strides in the health sector, with 84% of key performance indicators achieved as of Q3 2025, at the opening ceremony of the Joint Annual Review (JAR) in Abuja.
Addressing participants Wednesday, Prof Pate revealed that the Ministry will also sign an updated Compact with local government areas, private sector, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society organizations to drive the Universal Health Coverage.
Accordimg to him, key achievements include:
– Alignment of Annual Operational Plans of all 36 states and FCT with the National Health Sector Strategic Blueprint
– Establishment of Non-Communicable Disease Coordination Mechanisms by 72% of states in the country
– National Health Fellows and Public Financial Management Officers in all 774 LGAs
– Implementation of 60% of National Council on Health resolutions, among others
Prof Pate noted that Nigeria is transitioning from donor-led programming to nationally-owned systems, with tangible results at national, state, and local levels.
According to him, the 2025 review will track progress, identify gaps, and chart a unified course toward better health outcomes.
The Minister further highlighted improvements in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child health, and primary health care indicators, including increased skilled birth attendance, patronage of antenatal clinics by women as well as vaccination coverages, among others
He appreciated the President Bola Tinubu-led Administration for creating the enabling environment for the Sector’s development as well as the States and develpment partners for their collaboration
Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun stated that the 2025 health budget has increased by nearly 60%, while the Basic Health Care Provision Fund has more than doubled, from ₦131 billion in 2024 to a projected ₦298 billion in 2026.
The Minister commended Professor Muhammad Ali Pate and his team for injecting capacity, capability, and innovation into the sector, noting that Nigeria’s health reforms have become a model of accountability and international recognition.
Highlight of the day was the signing of the updated Compact with an addendum that includes LGAs, private sector, traditional and religious leaders and CSOs
