The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive, resilient and technology-driven healthcare system through digital innovation, strategic investments and improved service delivery aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the declaration while delivering the keynote address at the Insights Learning Forum (ILF) 2026 held at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening National Health Systems Through Inclusive Policy, Innovation and Service Delivery,” Salako said the forum aligns with the operational framework of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in December 2023 to transform the country’s healthcare system from fragmented interventions into an integrated, efficient and results-driven sector.
He explained that the National Digital Health Architecture, endorsed by all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is laying the foundation for an interoperable digital health ecosystem based on the principle of “One Patient, One Health Record.”
According to the minister, digital innovations such as telemedicine are expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved communities, while the administration’s Eight-Point Health Agenda and Health Sector Strategic Blueprint are addressing critical challenges including workforce shortages, infrastructure deficits, financing gaps and fragmented service delivery.
Salako stated that the ongoing 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 per cent, and significantly improve health outcomes nationwide.
Highlighting achievements recorded so far, he said the Federal Government has developed more than 21 strategic health policies, expanded health insurance coverage, embarked on over 500 high-impact health infrastructure projects, established 17 new federal tertiary health institutions and six Centres of Excellence for Cancer Care, revitalised primary healthcare facilities and strengthened health research systems.
On healthcare financing, the minister reiterated the Federal Government’s support for increasing the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from one per cent to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund through legislative backing.
He disclosed that ₦235 billion out of the cumulative ₦339 billion BHCPF has been released and disbursed under the current administration, with the latest ₦32.9 billion released in the second quarter of 2026 supporting more than 8,300 Primary Healthcare Centres across the country through performance-based financing tied to clearly defined Disbursement Linked Indicators.
Salako also highlighted progress in strengthening Nigeria’s health workforce through expanded recruitment and retention initiatives, implementation of the Health Workforce Migration Policy, engagement of Nigerian health professionals in the diaspora, revitalisation of more than 3,000 primary healthcare centres, improvements in emergency ambulance services and measurable reductions in maternal and newborn mortality.
Despite the progress, the minister acknowledged that significant challenges remain and called on state governments, development partners, the private sector and health technology innovators to align with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Compact and the National Digital Health Architecture to eliminate fragmented interventions and deepen coordinated implementation under the Sector-Wide Approach.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to build a resilient, equitable and digitally enabled health system capable of meeting the healthcare needs of all Nigerians.
Salako also commended eHealth Africa for its sustained partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, particularly its support in solarising 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.
He described the interventions as practical examples of how strategic partnerships can accelerate healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes across Nigeria.
