FG Unveils Progress on Health Reforms, Digital Innovation and Infrastructure
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, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this while delivering the keynote address at the Insights Learning Forum (ILF) 2026, held on Wednesday at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Speaking on the forum’s theme, “Strengthening National Health Systems Through Inclusive Policy, Innovation and Service Delivery,” Dr. Salako said it aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in December 2023.
He explained that the administration’s reforms are transforming the country’s health sector from fragmented interventions into an integrated system capable of delivering measurable results.
According to the minister, the National Digital Health Architecture, which has been endorsed by all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is creating an interoperable digital health ecosystem based on the principle of “One Patient, One Health Record.” He added that telemedicine and other digital innovations are expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.
Dr. Salako said the administration’s Eight-Point Health Agenda and the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint are addressing workforce shortages, infrastructure deficits, financing gaps and service fragmentation through coordinated implementation, strategic partnerships and evidence-based policies.
He noted that the reforms have the potential to generate annual economic returns of about N4.8 trillion, reduce the estimated N850 billion lost yearly to outbound medical tourism, cut preventable maternal and child deaths by up to 50 percent, and significantly improve health outcomes nationwide.
Highlighting progress made so far, the minister disclosed that the government has developed more than 21 strategic health policies, expanded health insurance coverage, constructed over 500 high-impact health infrastructure projects, established 17 new federal tertiary health institutions and six Centres of Excellence for Cancer Care, revitalized primary healthcare facilities and strengthened health research systems.
On healthcare financing, Dr. Salako reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for increasing the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from one percent to two percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund through legislative action.
He revealed that N235 billion out of the cumulative N339 billion allocated to the BHCPF has been released and disbursed under the current administration. He added that the latest N32.9 billion disbursement in the second quarter of 2026 is supporting more than 8,300 Primary Healthcare Centres across the country through performance-based financing linked to clearly defined indicators.
The minister 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, revitalization of more than 3,000 primary healthcare facilities, improvements in emergency ambulance services and measurable reductions in maternal and newborn deaths.
Despite the progress recorded, Dr. Salako 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 promote coordinated implementation.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to building a resilient, equitable and digitally enabled healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of all Nigerians.
Dr. Salako also commended eHealth Africa for its continued partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, particularly its role in solarizing 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 the impact of strong partnerships in advancing healthcare delivery across the country.
