The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to taking full responsibility for the health of Nigerians amid growing concerns over changes in global health funding.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, gave the assurance while receiving the Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Felix Costales Artieda, during a courtesy visit to the ministry in Abuja.
Dr Salako noted that while Nigeria shares global concerns about shifting international health financing, the country must reduce dependence on external support and assume leadership in safeguarding citizens’ health.
“Government must remain “in the driver’s seat” in shaping healthcare delivery, the ongoing reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are repositioning the sector for sustainability”. He said.
According to the minister, the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, built on four strategic pillars, is driving reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and improving service delivery nationwide.
He explained that discussions with Spain also created an opportunity to revisit the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding between both countries, particularly in areas such as technology transfer and local manufacturing under the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain.
Dr Salako further highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to tackle obstetric fistula and gynaecological conditions through the establishment of specialised institutions offering free treatment and social reintegration services for affected patients.
Speaking on behalf of the Spanish delegation, Director of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, Anton Leis, said Spain continues to support Nigeria through multilateral health initiatives implemented with partners, including UN agencies and the European Union.
He disclosed that over 1.1 million euros have been committed to programmes supporting polio eradication, elimination of harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, and strengthening Nigeria’s medical products industry.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, noted that Nigeria and Spain maintain longstanding bilateral relations anchored on cooperation agreements signed in 2022 and 2025 to advance healthcare development.
The meeting reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to deepening collaboration aimed at building a more resilient and self-reliant health system in Nigeria.