FG Calls on Private Sector to Support Universal Health Coverage

The Federal Government has emphasised that innovation and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors are essential to achieving universal health coverage for Nigerians.

This was highlighted at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria held in Lagos, with the theme “Transforming Healthcare: Leveraging Private Sector Innovation to Achieve Quality Outcomes and Universal Health Coverage.”

According to a statement issued by HFN on Sunday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre Ebute-Metta, Saheed Ogunme, said innovation and collaboration are vital to transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Ogunme noted that the conference theme reflects both the challenges and opportunities facing the country’s health sector, stressing that transformation requires practical action rather than theoretical plans.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s population, estimated at over 220 million people, continues to place increasing pressure on the healthcare system. Despite some improvements, the country still faces major challenges, particularly in maternal and child health.

According to him, Nigeria accounts for a significant share of global maternal deaths, with nearly one in five maternal fatalities worldwide occurring in the country.

“These figures represent real lives mothers, children and families whose potential contributions to national development have been lost,” he said.

Ogunme also highlighted the heavy financial burden many Nigerians face when seeking healthcare, noting that out-of-pocket payments still account for more than 70 per cent of total healthcare spending.

He warned that millions of citizens remain vulnerable to catastrophic health expenses that can push families into poverty, stressing that urgent reforms are needed.

Between 2026 and 2030, he said the Federal Government plans to prioritise improving healthcare quality, strengthening emergency medical services, expanding health insurance coverage and promoting deeper public–private partnerships.

He added that the government is also working to boost local pharmaceutical production through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, which aims to reduce the country’s reliance on imported medicines and expand domestic manufacturing by 2030.

Speaking at the conference, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said the state is positioning itself as a regional healthcare hub for Nigeria and the wider West African region.

He noted that growing interest from medical professionals abroad suggests increasing confidence in Lagos’ healthcare sector.
According to him, many healthcare experts are exploring opportunities to return to Nigeria and participate in the sector’s growth, with several inquiries coming from professionals seeking ways to contribute to developments in Lagos.

However, Abayomi acknowledged that the state faces a major shortage of healthcare workers.
He said Lagos currently has about 7,000 doctors, far below the estimated 30,000 required to adequately meet the needs of its expanding population.

Also speaking, the President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Njide Ndili, said the private sector remains committed to supporting government efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system through research-based investments and policy engagement.

She disclosed that the federation partnered with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group to conduct a nationwide survey aimed at identifying key areas where private sector investments could support national health priorities.

Ndili explained that the study provides data-driven insights that can guide both investment decisions and policy development within the sector.

Meanwhile, nephrologist and healthcare entrepreneur Richardson Ajayi said weak regulation of healthcare facilities remains a major obstacle to achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria.

Ajayi explained that poor regulatory oversight often undermines public trust in the healthcare system and discourages both patients and investors.

He added that stronger regulatory frameworks, supported by digital infrastructure, could help improve transparency and standards across the sector.

According to him, the adoption of technology-driven monitoring systems could allow hospitals to upload facility data while enabling artificial intelligence tools to support inspections and compliance checks, thereby strengthening accountability in the healthcare industry.