By Danjuma Amodu | February 25, 2026
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a resilient health system, capable of withstanding future health crises.
This is contained in a keynote address delivered today at the APC Medical Council Health Roundtable Conference at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
Dr. Salako highlighted the progress made in the health sector, including improved immunization coverage, increased access to healthcare, and the expansion of health insurance schemes. However, he noted that despite these achievements, significant challenges persist, including inadequate funding, brain drain, and unequal distribution of health workers.
The Minister cited statistics showing that government health expenditure stands at 5.2% of GDP, far below the 15% Abuja Declaration target, while out-of-pocket health expenditure remains high at 71%.
Dr. Salako outlined the government’s plans to address these challenges, including increasing budgetary allocations to the health sector, strengthening primary healthcare systems, and investing in digital health technologies.
He emphasized the need for collaboration and accountability in the health sector, calling on stakeholders to work together to achieve universal health coverage and build a resilient health system.
The Minister’s comments come as Nigeria grapples with a range of health challenges, including a high maternal mortality ratio of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and an under-5 mortality rate of 110 deaths per 1,000 live births.
However, Dr. Salako expressed optimism that the government’s efforts would yield positive results, citing improvements in immunization coverage and access to healthcare.
The conference, attended by health stakeholders and policymakers, is expected to chart a way forward for the country’s health sector, with a focus on strengthening primary healthcare and achieving universal health coverage.
Dr. Salako’s remarks have been welcomed by health experts, who say they underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s health challenges.
“This is a positive development, and we hope that the government’s efforts will translate into improved health outcomes for Nigerians,” said a health expert, who wished to remain anonymous.
The Minister’s pledge to build a resilient health system is seen as a crucial step towards achieving the country’s health goals, including reducing maternal and child mortality, improving access to healthcare, and strengthening the country’s response to health crises.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with health challenges, Dr. Salako’s comments are likely to be seen as a rallying call for stakeholders to work together to build a stronger, more resilient health system.
The Minister’s address highlights Nigeria’s health sector challenges, including inadequate funding, brain drain, and unequal distribution of health workers. The government has made progress in improving immunization coverage, increasing access to healthcare, and expanding health insurance schemes.
Dr. Salako emphasized the need for collaboration and accountability in the health sector, citing the importance of achieving universal health coverage and building a resilient health system. He outlined plans to increase budgetary allocations, strengthen primary healthcare systems, and invest in digital health technologies.
The conference attendees are expected to discuss ways to address Nigeria’s health challenges and achieve the country’s health goals.
The Minister’s remarks have been welcomed by health experts, who say they underscore the government’s commitment to improving the country’s healthcare system.
The government’s efforts to build a resilient health system are seen as a crucial step towards achieving Nigeria’s health goals, including reducing maternal and child mortality, improving access to healthcare, and strengthening the country’s response to health crises.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act 2024 marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage.
The government has also launched the Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative (NDHI) to improve the country’s digital health infrastructure. The health sector faces significant funding gaps, and the government is working to increase budgetary allocations and attract investment to address these challenges.
The Minister’s call for collaboration and accountability in the health sector is expected to galvanize efforts to address Nigeria’s health challenges and achieve the country’s health goals.
The APC Medical Council Health Roundtable Conference provides a platform for health stakeholders to discuss ways to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system and achieve universal health coverage. The conference is expected to yield recommendations for policymakers to address the country’s health challenges.
Nigeria’s health sector has made progress in recent years, but significant challenges persist. The government’s efforts to build a resilient health system are crucial to achieving the country’s health goals and improving the health outcomes of Nigerians.
The international community has recognized Nigeria’s efforts to improve its healthcare system, and the government is expected to continue working with development partners to address the country’s health challenges.
The government’s commitment to building a resilient health system is seen as a key step towards achieving universal health coverage and improving the health outcomes of Nigerians.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with health challenges, the government’s efforts to build a resilient health system will be crucial to achieving the country’s health goals.
The Minister’s call for collaboration and accountability in the health sector is expected to galvanize efforts to address Nigeria’s health challenges and achieve universal health coverage.
