The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through innovation, strategic collaboration, and improved health financing. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, emphasized the need for strong political will and sustainable financing to ensure every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare without financial hardship.
Speaking at the 36th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Resident Doctors, Salako stressed that UHC is a moral commitment to guarantee equitable, affordable, and accessible healthcare for all Nigerians. He noted that despite progress in the health sector, many families still struggle to pay for essential care, and rural communities face shortages of skilled health workers and limited access to essential medicines.
The minister highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to improve maternal and child health services, including skilled birth attendance, antenatal and postnatal care, immunization coverage, and nutrition. The government is also revitalizing primary healthcare facilities, deploying skilled personnel, and implementing community-based health interventions.
Salako commended Ogun State for expanding its Health Insurance Scheme to cover vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children under five, and people living with disabilities. However, he emphasized that achieving UHC requires collaboration among the private sector, development partners, and community leaders.
The minister urged policymakers to prioritize health financing and encouraged health workers to maintain ethical standards and serve with compassion. He also underscored the need to fully embrace innovation, including digital health tools for telemedicine, disease surveillance, and data-driven planning.
Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, noted that achieving UHC is a shared responsibility, requiring stronger collaboration between the government and resident doctors. The guest speaker, Babatunde Ipaye, advocated for increased investment in the health sector, fair remuneration for medical professionals, and expanded health insurance coverage.
Nigeria has made progress toward UHC through reforms such as the National Health Insurance Authority Act and increased allocations to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. However, overall insurance coverage remains low, and out-of-pocket spending accounts for roughly 70% of total health expenditure. The government’s efforts to strengthen the healthcare system and increase access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians are ongoing.