FG ends 84-Day JOHESU strike, approves salary payment, withdraws ‘No Work, No Pay’

The Federal Government has resolved the 84-day nationwide industrial action embarked upon by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), following a successful conciliation meeting between both parties. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced that JOHESU has suspended the strike and directed its members across the country to resume work immediately in the interest of patients, health system stability, and national public health security. Speaking on the development, the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the resolution underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to…

Reps commend Health Ministry, Back ₦224.36bn 2026 Budget, demand timely BHCPF release

The House of Representatives has commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its performance, particularly in the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), while backing its proposed ₦224.36 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The commendation came on Monday in Abuja during the presentation of the Ministry’s 2026 Headquarters Budget Proposal to the Joint House Committees on Health Services. Presenting the proposal, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the Ministry proposed a total estimate of ₦224.36…

Niger State PHC Agency gets new leadership as Dr Junaidu Inuwa takes over as Executive Director

The Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency (NSPHCDA) has ushered in a new phase of leadership with the formal handover of office to its newly appointed Executive Director, Dr. Junaidu Inuwa. The handover ceremony, held at the Agency’s Conference Hall, was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Health, Dr. Mohammed Gana, who described Dr. Inuwa as a hardworking and highly experienced professional with the capacity to reposition the Agency. Dr. Gana said the appointment aligns with the New Niger Agenda of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago,…

FG launches nationwide free cancer screening to tackle rising deaths

The Federal Government has intensified its fight against cancer in Nigeria with the launch of a nationwide free cancer screening programme aimed at early detection and reducing cancer-related deaths. The Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, officially flagged off the initiative over the weekend at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, describing cancer as one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges. Nigeria currently records the highest cancer incidence and mortality rates in Africa, according to the Minister. Dr. Salako…

Gov Bago strengthens primary healthcare as Dr. Inuwa Junaidu makes first official visit to Yusuf Dada PHC

In a bid to enhance primary healthcare delivery across Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s administration has intensified efforts to improve local health facilities, marked by the first official field visit of the Executive Director of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency (NSPHCDA), Dr. Inuwa Junaidu, to Yusuf Dada Primary Health Care (PHC), Yidna, Paikoro Local Government Area. The visit aimed to address community concerns, ensure improved healthcare service delivery, and reinforce the administration’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare systems. During the inspection, Dr. Junaidu urged health workers…

FG unveils new cancer control roadmap, expands preventive clinics nationwide

The Federal Government has unveiled two major national policy documents aimed at strengthening cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment across Nigeria, as part of renewed efforts to curb the rising burden of the disease. The policies – the National Nuclear Medicine Policy and Strategic Plan and the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2026–2030 were launched on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during a ministerial briefing to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day. Speaking at the event, Dr.…

Health Minister Ali Pate urges stronger investment in Science as Nigeria hosts 2026 SPARK Africa Conference

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through its agency, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), has commenced the 2026 SPARK Africa Translational Research Bootcamp and Scientific Conference in Abuja, with a strong call for increased investment in scientific research and innovation. The week-long programme, which began on Monday, February 2, 2026, is holding at the Lagos/Osun Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, and will run until Friday, February 6, 2026. The initiative is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to translate scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions, while…

FMC Abuja clarifies circumstances surrounding death of Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja has responded to circulating social media discussions regarding the death of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene, who tragically passed away on January 31, 2026, following a snake bite. In a press statement, Dr. Bioku Muftau, Head of Clinical Services, expressed the hospital’s deepest condolences to the Nwagene family, acknowledging the pain of losing a loved one. Dr. Muftau clarified that the FMC Abuja management team acted promptly upon Ms. Nwagene’s arrival. She received immediate treatment, including resuscitation, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and administration of polyvalent…

FG inaugurates National Technical Committee to regulate Cosmetics, safeguard public health

The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Cosmetics Safety Management Technical Working Group (NCSM-TWG) to address the rising health risks associated with unsafe cosmetic products in Nigeria. The inauguration, held in Abuja on Tuesday, marks a significant move from policy formulation to concrete implementation in regulating cosmetic safety nationwide. Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Dogara Okara said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from cosmetic-related health hazards that have long been underestimated. He warned that…

NIPRD, Stanford SPARK to host 2026 Africa Translational Research Conference in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced that the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), in partnership with the Stanford University–based SPARK Global Programme, will host the 2026 Africa Translational Research Bootcamp and Scientific Conference in Abuja from February 2 to 7, 2026. The conference is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to transform scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions, while enhancing the country’s position in global and continental research networks. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with Stanford SPARK, highlights the growing importance of translational research…