The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oral healthcare services across Nigeria as the country joined the global community to commemorate the World Oral Health Day 2026.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the commemoration, themed “A happy mouth is a happy life,” as a reminder of the importance of adopting simple daily oral hygiene practices and promoting awareness of oral health as a key component of overall wellbeing.
Represented by the Director of Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Abisola S. Adegoke, the Minister noted that oral diseases continue to negatively impact children’s development, adult productivity, and national growth.
He disclosed that the government has integrated oral healthcare into primary healthcare services, expanded access to affordable dental care, and intensified community-based education and prevention programmes. According to him, community health workers are now trained to identify and refer severe oral conditions such as noma and cleft lip and palate, while school-based initiatives are promoting healthy oral habits among children.
Salako further revealed that the government is collaborating with development partners and international organisations, including the World Health Organization, Noma Affected Persons Nigeria Initiative, and Médecins Sans Frontières, to tackle neglected oral health conditions.
He commended the Nigerian Dental Association for reaching over 2.4 million Nigerians across more than 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory through its outreach programmes, adding that the target for 2026 is to reach three million citizens with oral health education and care.
The Minister also announced a Memorandum of Understanding with Colgate-Palmolive to train Community Health Extension Workers on basic oral healthcare and expand oral health education in schools and communities.
He emphasised that improving oral health is a shared responsibility, urging Nigerians to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, reduce sugar intake, avoid tobacco use, and visit dental professionals regularly.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of Dental Services, Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, stressed that oral health is essential to overall wellbeing. She warned that many preventable oral diseases are often neglected until they become severe, calling for collective efforts to promote preventive care.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, represented by Dr. Uchenna Ekwenibe, noted that this year’s theme highlights the broader impact of oral health on quality of life and urged students to champion oral hygiene awareness among their peers.
The event featured oral health presentations, an awareness march, and an oratory competition. Army Day Secondary School Abuja emerged winner, receiving a cash prize of N100,000, followed by Command Secondary School Lungi Barracks Abuja with N80,000, while STEM Child Care Academy secured third place with N50,000. Other participants received consolation prizes.
The government reiterated its resolve to ensure that no Nigerian suffer from preventable oral diseases through sustained investment, partnerships, and public awareness initiatives.
