The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving a resilient health system, urging stakeholders to renew their commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Dr. Salako made the call while delivering his address at the APC Medical Council Health Roundtable Conference held on Wednesday at the State Banquet Hall, Abuja.
He described a resilient health system as one where every Nigerian, regardless of location or income, can access quality healthcare without financial hardship; where health workers are motivated, adequately remunerated, and equipped to deliver care; and where facilities are well-resourced with power, water, medicines, and equipment. He emphasized that data-driven decision-making, community participation, and innovation are critical to positioning Nigeria as a leader in health self-reliance.
Acknowledging progress made so far, Salako admitted that challenges remain. “Too many mothers still die in childbirth, too many children don’t reach their fifth birthday, and too many families are impoverished by healthcare costs. Too many skilled health workers are leaving our shores,” he said. He stressed that resilience requires sustained investment, political will, technical excellence, community ownership, and accountability.
The Minister assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to addressing these challenges in partnership with state and local governments, development partners, and civil society. He called on stakeholders to make this era a turning point toward universal health coverage and resilience, noting that “only healthy people can produce a prosperous, secure, and great country.”
Salako highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which has expanded access to quality care, improved immunization coverage, and supported health insurance schemes at the state level. He also cited the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and programs including malaria elimination, tuberculosis control, immunization, and reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH).
On human resources, the Minister disclosed that over 37,000 health workers have been employed since 2023, with more than 75% in clinical roles. He added that a health workforce migration policy has been developed to improve retention and harness contributions from Nigerian professionals in the diaspora.
Salako reaffirmed government’s commitment to responsible leadership and accountability, pledging continued support for multistakeholder coordination platforms such as the Joint Annual Review (JAR) and the National Council on Health (NCH).
By Blessing Bature, Abuja
