The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare (PHC) services nationwide following the Supreme Court’s ruling granting financial autonomy to the 774 local government councils (LGCs).
ALGON national president, Engr. Bello Lawal made this commitment on Thursday in Abuja during the National Stakeholders Engagement on Accelerating Improvements in Primary Healthcare in Nigeria with Local Government Financial Autonomy. He was represented by ALGON chairman of Taraba State, Hon. Aminu Jauro Hassan who hailed the ruling delivered by Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim on July 11, 2024.
Science Nigeria reports that the judgment affirms local governments as the third tier of government, giving them direct access to Federation Account (FAC) funds. This ensures they can independently manage resources for developmental projects, including healthcare services.
Lawal emphasised that the ruling empowers the 774 local government health authorities (LGHAs) to take full responsibility for PHC budgets and service delivery.
“Under this framework, local governments will directly administer all funds allocated for PHC services, oversee the construction and renovation of healthcare facilities based on community needs, handle the recruitment, promotion, and discipline of staff from levels 1–6 and secure a stronger presence on rebranded State Primary Healthcare Governing Boards to enhance decision-making in PHC administration,” he said.
He commended the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate and the executive director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina for organising the stakeholder engagement. He emphasised that collaboration among all stakeholders is crucial to achieving sustainable improvements in PHC.
Lawal disclosed that ALGON has launched the National Primary Healthcare Revitalisation and Operationalisation Programme (ANPH-ROP) to drive reforms at the local level.
“Key engagements so far include the ALGON Stakeholders Workshop at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on August 28, 2024, the ALGON Stakeholders Forum, held as a side event at the 65th National Council on Health in Maiduguri on November 20, 2024, and the ongoing National Stakeholders Engagement, which focuses on accelerating PHC improvements with local government financial autonomy,” he stated.
He urged local government chairmen to demonstrate strong leadership and work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective governance and the successful implementation of healthcare reforms at the grassroots level.
“We must collaborate to ensure no one is left behind in our collective effort to enhance primary healthcare service delivery nationwide,” he said.
The engagement brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare professionals and civil society representatives, to discuss strategies for improving healthcare infrastructure, workforce capacity and service delivery across Nigeria’s local government areas.
