FG Launches High-Level Inter-Ministerial Platform to Boost Family Planning, Health and Human Capital
The Federal Government has inaugurated a High-Level Inter-Ministerial Platform (IMP) on Family Planning, Health, Human Capital and Sustainable National Development to strengthen collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies in improving reproductive health outcomes and accelerating national development.
The platform, inaugurated on Friday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, is designed to promote coordinated action across government by recognising that health is not solely the responsibility of the health sector but a foundation for sustainable economic growth, education, gender equality, youth development and national productivity.
Speaking during the inauguration, stakeholders stressed that healthier families contribute to stronger communities, improved educational outcomes, enhanced economic productivity and greater national resilience.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, formally launched the platform, while the Managing Director of FP2030’s North, West and Central Africa Hub, Dr. Alain Damiba, highlighted the importance of linking family planning with health-system strengthening, human capital development and sustainable national development.
Director of Family Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ahmad Ozi, presented the platform’s Terms of Reference, outlining its objectives, governance structure and implementation framework.
According to the framework, the platform will serve as a structured mechanism for government institutions and partners to align policies, programmes, resources and accountability systems aimed at improving health outcomes and expanding equitable access to voluntary, rights-based family planning and reproductive health services.
The initiative seeks to strengthen multisectoral commitment to family planning as a strategic investment in maternal and child health, women’s empowerment, educational attainment, household wellbeing, demographic dividends and national economic development.
It will also establish practical coordination and accountability mechanisms for joint planning, resource alignment, implementation tracking and regular follow-up across sectors.
Core members of the platform include the Federal Ministries of Health and Social Welfare; Budget and Economic Planning; Finance; Women Affairs; Education; and Youth Development, as well as the National Population Commission, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, National Health Insurance Authority and other relevant ministries and agencies.
Each participating institution is expected to nominate a focal person to coordinate implementation, monitor progress and facilitate reporting within their respective organisations.
The platform will be led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, supported by a Secretariat comprising representatives from the ministry, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the National Health Insurance Authority, FP2030 and selected technical partners.
Among its key responsibilities are promoting inter-ministerial dialogue, integrating health priorities into sectoral plans and budgets, tracking commitments, encouraging evidence-based decision-making, strengthening public awareness, promoting equity and inclusion, and documenting lessons and best practices.
The platform is expected to meet quarterly and produce action plans, sectoral commitment trackers, progress reports, policy briefs and communiqués to guide implementation.
Officials said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that investments in health, family planning and reproductive health contribute to stronger human capital, improved social welfare and sustainable national development across Nigeria.
