The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
Speaking at the 65th National Council on Health session held at the Mohammed Indimi Centre for Distance Learning, University of Maiduguri, Dr. Salako outlined strategic steps the Federal Government is taking to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians.
Acknowledging the event’s host city, Dr. Salako commended the Borno State Government, led by Governor Babagana Zulum, for their hospitality and efforts in restoring Maiduguri’s vibrancy following recent challenges.
He extended condolences to those affected by September’s flood disaster in the state.
On the theme, “Accelerating Pathways to Universal Health Coverage: Strategies for 2030 Success,” Dr. Salako highlighted the government’s robust approach to healthcare reform under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Universal Health Coverage by 2030 is not just a slogan or catchphrase but a commitment backed by evidence-driven strategies,” he said.
Key initiatives outlined include strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC), reorganizing the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, training healthcare workers, and upgrading tertiary healthcare infrastructure.
The Minister emphasized the role of health promotion and disease prevention at the community level, with a focus on immunizations, nutrition, and non-communicable disease screening.
Dr. Salako also pointed to innovations like the Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative (NDHi), aimed at introducing electronic health records and health information exchanges to enhance care delivery.
“The Special Presidential Initiative on Unlocking the Health Value Chain (PVAC) is a game-changer for boosting local pharmaceutical production and integrating herbal medicines into clinical practice,” he said.
Despite progress, Dr. Salako noted persistent challenges, particularly the recurrent strikes in the health sector.
He appealed to the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) to call off their warning strike, promising active engagement with relevant ministries to resolve underlying issues.
The Minister called for collaboration among state governments, development partners, health worker unions, and stakeholders to ensure sustained progress.
He praised the technical team led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Daju Kachollom, for their diligence in preparing for the council meeting.
Earlier in his opening Remarks, the Honorable Commissioner of Health (HCH) Borno State, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana emphasized that health is a fundamental right for all Nigerians, to be accessed without hardship and highlighted Borno state’s unique situation, shaped by its emergency context, and commended the dedication of its leadership.
HCH mentioned that the focus of the discussion will be on addressing strengthening the health workforce, empowering communities, and leveraging digital health solutions.
Prof. Gana said that these efforts aim to advance strategies toward achieving UHC.
“The state is committed to supporting the retention of the health workforce,” he said.
In his goodwill message the Shehu of Borno emphasized the commitment to integrating traditional knowledge and contextual understanding with efforts of other stakeholders to better serve vulnerable populations.
WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Molumbo highlighted Borno’s resilience in maintaining primary healthcare (PHC) services despite the challenges, which is considered a significant achievement.
Dr. Molumbo emphaised on the alignment of WHO and UN Agencies with the health objectives in Nigeria.
The 65th National Council on Health brings together key stakeholders to evaluate and align strategies for improving Nigeria’s healthcare system and meeting its 2030 UHC target.
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