NAFDAC kicks off nationwide enforcement of sachet alcohol ban

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun the nationwide enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The enforcement followed a directive by the Nigerian Senate mandating the agency to completely halt the manufacture and distribution of sachet alcohol and small-sized bottled alcoholic drinks by December 2025. The resolution stemmed from a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, who cited public health concerns and global best practices.…

FG reaffirms commitment to ethical health research, unveils digital ethics review portal

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ethical standards in Nigeria’s health research ecosystem, pledging sustained support for the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) to safeguard research participants and align local studies with global best practices. The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, gave the assurance while speaking at the 2026 Face-to-Face Meeting and Training Workshop of NHREC held in Abuja. Dr. Salako stressed that robust ethical oversight remains central to credible research, public trust and scientific integrity, particularly as…

FG sets up Two Committees to address Doctors’ workload, Residency Certification disputes

In a decisive move to address persistent industrial disputes in Nigeria’s health sector, the Federal Government has inaugurated two high-level ministerial committees to tackle excessive work hours for health workers, locum engagement practices, and the long-running controversy surrounding residency training certification and recategorisation. The committees were inaugurated in Abuja by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who said the initiative underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to health sector reforms, improved workers’ welfare, and enhanced patient safety. Speaking at the event, Dr. Salako noted…

FG sets up Technical committee to drive reliable power in health facilities

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 24-member Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC) to spearhead the implementation of the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative (NPHI), a flagship programme designed to guarantee reliable and sustainable electricity supply to health facilities across the country. The initiative target achieving at least 30 per cent renewable-powered healthcare delivery nationwide by the end of 2027, as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s health system and improve service delivery. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare,…

FG explains dispute with Resident Doctors, highlights ₦90bn allowance increase,collective bargaining reforms

The Federal Government has provided fresh clarification on its ongoing standoff with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), attributed the impasse to structural and policy constraints rather than government neglect, while underscoring a ₦90 billion annual increase in health workers’ allowances as proof of its commitment to industrial harmony. The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the disclosure on Tuesday during an interview on the AIT Kaakaki programme, where he outlined measures taken by the Federal Government to address the concerns…

NAHCON reinforces strict health screening standards for 2026 Hajj

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Wednesday convened a strategic meeting with State National Medical Team Leaders to strengthen health screening procedures for prospective pilgrims ahead of the upcoming Hajj operations. The meeting, held at the Hajj House Conference Hall in Abuja, focused on ensuring full compliance with medical screening guidelines issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which remain mandatory for all participating countries. In his welcome address, the Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s health regulations must strictly guide Nigeria’s Hajj…

FG intensifies fight against micronutrient deficiency, launches Advisory Committee,new policies

The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to tackle micronutrient deficiencies in Nigeria by inaugurating the National Advisory Committee on Micronutrient Deficiency and Control and unveiling new policy frameworks aimed at coordinated national action. Speaking at the 2025 National Micronutrient Conference in Abuja, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate CON, emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to transitioning from fragmented nutrition initiatives to a synchronized, evidence-based approach that prioritized the nutritional needs of women, children, and other vulnerable groups. The conference, themed “Strengthening Resilient Systems…

Nigeria, US sign landmark health MoU to boost health security, primary care

Nigeria and the United States have signed a landmark technical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the health sector, enhancing national health security, and expanding access to quality primary healthcare services across the country. The agreement, signed in Abuja on Friday, seek to deepen collaboration on the early detection, prevention and control of emerging, re-emerging and existing infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, while supporting Nigeria’s drive toward a more resilient and self-reliant health system. Under the MoU, both countries will work together to strengthen disease…

FG orders immediate suspension of sachet Alcohol ban enforcement

The Federal Government has directed an immediate halt to all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle products, pending the completion of consultations and the issuance of a final policy directive.   The order was issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) following concerns raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control over the planned enforcement by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).   In…

2025 UHC Day: Nigeria intensifies push against high healthcare costs

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending unaffordable healthcare and expanding access to quality health services for all Nigerians, as federal and state authorities, alongside international development partners, renewed calls for stronger financing, accountability and collaboration to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).   Speaking at the 2025 Universal Health Coverage Day celebration in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the Tinubu administration is determined to ensure that no Nigerian is forced to choose between seeking medical care and meeting basic…