The chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Ipalibo Banigo has emphasised the substantial impact of the fifth legislative summit, which has emerged as one of Africa’s largest gatherings of health sector legislators since its inception in 2017.
Banigo, who also leads the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage (LNU), spoke on Friday in Abuja at the conclusion of the summit themed “Improving Legislative Stewardship and Accountability for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”
In her address, Banigo underscored the ongoing priority of enhancing healthcare for vulnerable populations. She praised the legislative efforts that have resulted in the establishment of contributory health insurance schemes, legal frameworks at the subnational level, and the national health insurance mandate. She highlighted the crucial role legislators play in shaping health insurance policies, stating, “They are instrumental in mandating the inclusion of vulnerable groups, advocating for subsidised premiums, and expanding coverage in underserved areas.”
Banigo also pointed out the importance of public outreach and community programmes in shifting public opinion and dispelling myths about health insurance. She outlined the legislative agenda of the 10th National Assembly, focusing on enabling laws, resource mobilisation, accountability and knowledge translation. She emphasised the need for robust oversight to ensure the effective implementation of health sector legislation. She called on her colleagues to harness their legislative powers to enhance health insurance and coverage for vulnerable groups, ensuring that the healthcare system evolves to address the needs of all Nigerians.
Chair of the House Committee on Food and Drug Administration and Control, Senator Regina Akume also spoke at the summit. She outlined the committee’s crucial role in shaping healthcare policy and ensuring equitable access to health services. Akume explained that the committee’s responsibility includes regulating medical products and treatments, impacting patient safety and healthcare costs. She discussed the committee’s role in evaluating medical innovations, providing data and recommendations for evidence-based decision-making, and ensuring that healthcare remains equitable and scientifically grounded. She stressed the committee’s vigilance in preventing potential pitfalls in healthcare policy.
As chair of the Food and Drug Administration and Control Committee, Akume expressed her commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through innovative approaches. This includes the construction of primary healthcare centers and a significant allocation of over 160 million naira to the National Health Insurance Scheme in the 2024 budget to cover 3,000 members of her constituency. She also shared her personal commitment to health insurance, noting that she and her family are covered under the scheme. She called for a renewed commitment to using science and compassion in policymaking, advocating for healthcare as a fundamental right guided by integrity, empathy and evidence-based practices.
Science Nigeria reports that the three-day summit highlighted critical issues affecting UHC in Nigeria, including the poor state of the healthcare system, high maternal mortality rates, reliance on foreign aid, and weak public health laws. The fifth legislative summit called for effective collaboration and efficient resource allocation as crucial measures. Legislative actions emphasized the need for strengthening accountability in resource use and bridging policy gaps to improve maternal and child health. Accountability measures involved underscoring transparency and technological advancements in healthcare spending.
The summit also highlighted challenges and provided recommendations, noting that Nigeria faces financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure and governance issues. Its recommendations included improving rural healthcare access, centralising resources, advocating for health insurance, and boosting local production of medical supplies. It stressed that collaborative efforts are essential for achieving better health outcomes, emphasising the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in driving forward UHC initiatives in Nigeria. The summit’s discussions reflected a commitment to addressing these challenges through legislative and policy measures, aiming to create a more equitable and effective healthcare system for all Nigerians.
