The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC), eradicating polio and addressing health system challenges through various initiatives.
These initiatives include the training of over 60,000 health workers and the implementation of a N1 trillion ($1.2 billion) performance-based financing program for states.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Pate shared this information in Abuja during the 2025 First Quarter Review Meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee (NTLC) on Primary Health Care Delivery.
Pate commended traditional leaders for their 16 years of voluntary aeven submit this effort for recognition in the Guinness Book of Records to see if any other purely voluntary initiative of leaders, who meet every quarter with such commitment, has lasted this long.”
The minister highlighted ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts, including issues with vaccination team selection, training, accountability and frontline engagement. He noted, “Recent visits to four states, conducted alongside the Chair of the Polio Oversight Board (POB) and NTLC leaders, identified these gaps, with concerns over finger-marking compliance and the need for improved supervision.”
He assured, “We have successfully addressed similar issues in the past. In 2009, despite resource constraints, Nigeria vaccinated more children than in previous years. We have done it before and we can do it again.”
Pate disclosed that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to revitalise PHC through the following measures: Training and retraining of 60,000 health workers, expanding maternal and newborn health services under President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda and providing free emergency treatment for obstetric complications.
Additionally, he announced the launch of the National Health Fellowship Programme, designed to develop young health leaders across Nigeria. “The programme received over 360,000 applications, with fellows selected purely on merit. These fellows will be deployed nationwide to improve accountability and service delivery,” he stated.
To further strengthen PHC, the Federal Government has approved N1 trillion ($1.2 billion) in performance-based financing for states to recruit more health workers and enhance services.
Pate also emphasised the threat of misinformation on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, urging traditional and religious leaders to counter conspiracy theories and promote accurate health information.
The minister called on stakeholders to remain committed, stating, “Nigeria’s grassroots-led approach to health interventions is gaining international recognition. Together, we have made progress. Together, we have tackled challenges. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, healthier Nigeria.”
