FG DRIVES REFORMS TO BUILD INCLUSIVE, DIGITAL AND RESILIENT HEALTH SYSTEM
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health system through inclusive policies, technology-driven innovation, strategic investments and improved service delivery as part of ongoing efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this known while delivering the keynote address at the Insights Learning Forum (ILF) 2026 held on Wednesday, 29th July 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
He explained that the National Digital Health Architecture, endorsed by all states and the Federal Capital Territory, is creating an interoperable digital health ecosystem anchored on the principle of “One Patient, One Health Record,” while innovations such as telemedicine are improving access to quality healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities.
Commenting on the theme of the Forum: “Strengthening National Health Systems Through Inclusive Policy, Innovation and Service Delivery,” the Minister noted that it aligns with the operational framework of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), launched by *President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in December 2023.
In a statement issued by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations in the Ministry, Dr. Salako added that the administration remains focused on moving the health sector from fragmented interventions to integrated systems capable of delivering measurable impact.
He explained that the administration’s Eight-Point Health Agenda and the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint are driving comprehensive reforms aimed at addressing workforce shortages, infrastructure deficits, financing gaps and service fragmentation through coordinated implementation, strong partnerships and evidence-based policies.
According to him, the reforms have the potential to generate annual economic returns of about ₦4.8 trillion through reductions in preventable diseases, retain an estimated ₦850 billion currently lost annually to outbound medical tourism, reduce preventable maternal and child deaths by as much as 50 percent, and significantly improve health outcomes across the country.
Highlighting progress recorded under the reforms, he cited the development of over 21 strategic health policies, expansion of health insurance coverage, construction of more than 500 high-impact health infrastructure projects, establishment of 17 new federal tertiary health institutions and six Centres of Excellence for Cancer Care, revitalisation of primary healthcare facilities and strengthened health research systems.
On health financing, Dr. Salako reiterated the Federal Government’s support for legislative efforts to increase the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from one percent to two percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund. He announced that ₦235 billion out of the cumulative ₦339 billion BHCPF has been released and disbursed since the inception of the current administration, with the latest ₦32.9 billion* disbursement in Q2 2026 supporting more than 8,300 Primary Healthcare Centres nationwide through performance-based financing linked to Disbursement Linked Indicators.
The Minister also outlined progress in strengthening Nigeria’s health workforce through expanded recruitment and retention strategies, implementation of the Health Workforce Migration Policy, engagement of Nigerian health professionals in the diaspora, revitalization of over 3,000 Primary Healthcare Centres, improvement of emergency medical ambulance systems, and measurable reductions in maternal and newborn deaths.
Despite these achievements, the Minister acknowledged that considerable work remains. He called on state governments, development partners, the private sector and health technology innovators for greater alignment with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Compact and the National Digital Health Architecture to eliminate fragmented interventions and strengthen integrated implementation under the Sector-Wide Approach.
Dr. Salako stressed that the Federal Government remains focused on building a resilient, equitable and technology-driven health system capable of meeting the healthcare needs of all Nigerians.
He also commended eHealth Africa for its sustained partnership with the Ministry, particularly its support in solarizing 238 public health facilities across 12 states under the National Power for Health Initiative, strengthening health data systems, and supporting the establishment of Public Health Emergency Operations Centres in several states.
The Minister described the interventions as practical demonstrations of the impact of collaborative partnerships in advancing healthcare delivery.
