(Kabir Yusuf,Mariam Ileyemi, Fortune Eronmosele and Zainab Adewale)
PREMIUM TIMES, in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), is hosting the 2025 National Health Dialogue today at Fraser Suites, Abuja.
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The event convenes key voices in Nigeria’s health sector for crucial conversations on reform and accountability.
The forum, themed “Evidence, Innovation, and Financing for a Healthier Nigeria,” brings together senior government officials, global health leaders, journalists, civil society groups and health innovators for a full day of discussions on the state of Nigeria’s health system.
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The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, will headline the Dialogue in a fireside discussion focused on Nigeria’s reform priorities, the future of primary healthcare, and the shifts required to improve outcomes nationwide.
Other key participants include the World Health Organisation Country Director, Pavel Ursu; the Director-General of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Muyi Aina; the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Temitope Ilori, alongside several state commissioners of health.
The event will open with investigative journalism showcases from PREMIUM TIMES, Nigeria Health Watch, and Punch, highlighting the role accountability reporting plays in exposing system failures and informing reforms.
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Throughout the day, panels will explore primary healthcare performance, financing gaps, state-level implementation challenges, and innovations in maternal and digital health.
There will also be a health-innovation showcase featuring technology founders working on service-delivery solutions.
READ ALSO: How Jigawa’s underfunded rural health system fuels infant, maternal mortality
According to Akintunde Babatunde, Executive Director of CJID, the Dialogue marks the beginning of “deeper nationwide engagements aimed at improving health outcomes across the country.”
Stay with us for live updates from the 2025 National Health Dialogue scheduled to commence at 9:00 a.m.
9:11 a.m.
The Head of the Development Programme at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Ifeanyi Chukwudi, welcomed guests and participants, noting that the programme will begin in 10 minutes.
9: 38 am: Event commences. The moderator, Mr Chukwudi, introduces the Chief Executive Officer of CJID and Publisher of PREMIUM TIMES, Dapo Olorunyomi, for his opening address.
9:40 a.m. In his opening address, Mr Olorunyomi underscored the urgency of fixing Nigeria’s struggling health system, noting that “the nation’s health system is one of the clearest indicators of whether governance is working.”
He said the theme: “Evidence, Innovation, and Financing for a Healthier Nigeria” reflects the pillars every functional health system depends on, and emphasised that Nigeria’s persistent gaps are “not a resource problem, but a prioritisation problem.”
Mr Olorunyomi also highlighted the importance of evidence-based journalism in exposing failures and driving reforms, recalling how investigative reporting contributed to Akwa Ibom State declaring a health emergency.
He added that when citizens have access to credible information, they can demand better services and hold institutions accountable.
9:45 am: On innovation, Dapo Olorunyomi said he is proud of the homegrown health innovation happening across Nigeria.
“Young Nigerians are building digital health platforms, improving maternal care through technology, strengthening diagnostic capacity, and reimagining how health services are delivered,” he said.
The PREMIUM TIMES publisher emphasised that these innovators “are not waiting for perfect conditions” but are building solutions with minimal support.
Speaking on financing, he noted that while money alone does not fix a broken system, “without adequate, sustained, well-managed financing, nothing else works.”
He referenced the recent “red letter” issued by the Federal Ministry of Health to state governments, calling it a recognition that “business as usual is failing Nigerians” and a demand for more oversight and accountability.
“We are not just underfunding health, we are also mismanaging what little we allocate,” he said, citing problems such as unreleased budgets, unaccounted funds, unused equipment, and facilities built without staff.
“This must change,” Mr Olorunyomi said.
9:50 am:
In her goodwill message, the Senior Communications Officer at the Gates Foundation, Fatima Abubakar-Alkali, highlighted that Nigeria’s health sector challenges extend far beyond inadequate funding.
She pointed to weak oversight, inefficiencies, and a culture of micromanagement that hinder meaningful reforms.
Ms Abubakar-Alkali urged commissioners and state representatives to uphold the commitments they make as they approach 2026, stressing that this expectation stems not from criticism but from confidence in what is achievable when leaders embrace transparency and accountability.
She also underscored the role of journalists, civil society, and citizens in tracking budgets, monitoring implementation, and demanding accountability.
Addressing the global shift in health financing, Ms Abubakar-Alkali framed declining donor funding as an opportunity to build a sustainable, people-centred health system that prioritises local needs and relies on robust data.
10:04 am
Mr Idris said Premium Times is proud to co-host the symposium, bringing together policymakers, experts, journalists, and other stakeholders to discuss ways to improve Nigeria’s health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians, young and old.
“As we all know, healthcare is not solely the responsibility of the federal government. Yet our research across several states shows that state governments are not prioritising healthcare as they should. We understand that states have limited funds, but the facts show that many are focusing on the wrong areas,” he said.
Referring to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency yesterday, Mr Idris noted that the president outlined six key steps his administration plans to take, some of which are bold and require fundamental legal changes.
“While we commend the president for these initiatives and hope he follows through, true security cannot be achieved without addressing human development. And when we speak of human development, we are primarily talking about education and healthcare—the latter being the reason we are gathered here today.”
10:06 am: He noted that Nigerian youth are frustrated and disillusioned because they have been denied proper education, healthcare, and opportunities for development. “That is why many turn to social media complaints, emigrate (‘japa’), or engage in criminal activities, from cybercrime to terrorism,” Mr Idris said.
Citing two examples from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), he said Jigawa State has the highest under-five mortality rate in the country at 161 deaths per 1,000 live births. The neonatal mortality rate has risen from 46.8 in 2018 to 52 per 1,000 live births in 2024.
Despite renovations of some primary health centres (PHCs), many remain poorly equipped and understaffed. Yet, Jigawa spent N3.2 billion on government house renovations and luxury vehicles last year—more than the N2.8 billion allocated to all PHCs by the state’s Primary Health Care Development Agency.”
“Take oil-rich Akwa Ibom as another example. Most PHCs there have fewer than five staff members—far below the 24 recommended by the NPHCDA. This shortage contributes to preventable deaths among mothers and children. The NDHS 2024 shows that only 38.6 per cent of births in Akwa Ibom occur in health facilities, the lowest among the 17 southern states. Births attended by skilled providers stand at just 51.5 per cent, again the lowest in the region. Earlier this year, the state government announced it would hire 1,000 medical personnel—far from sufficient to close the staffing gap.”
“Our analysis shows that fully staffing Akwa Ibom’s 468 PHCs with 24 personnel each would require 11,232 staff, not including support personnel. Currently, the state has around 2,164 workers. Adding the planned 1,000 recruits still leaves a shortfall of 8,068. The question arises: where would the state get the funds to fill this gap?”
“Based on the 2024 budget performance, personnel costs for the current 2,164 staff are N37.1 million. Employing all 8,068 additional staff would cost about N222.6 million. By comparison, Akwa Ibom spent N1.3 billion on luxury SUVs for 13 federal lawmakers—money that could have funded all PHC personnel and salaries for three years, potentially saving thousands of lives,” he said, adding that “these issues are not unique to Akwa Ibom or Jigawa. We observed similar trends in Bauchi, Adamawa, and Bayelsa.”
He concluded that this dialogue aims to discuss why states are not prioritising healthcare, why frivolous spending often takes precedence over the health of residents, and how together we can identify solutions and chart a path forward.”
10:15 a.m.: In her goodwill message, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, praised the critical role of journalism in shaping Nigeria’s health sector and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to tackle persistent and emerging public health challenges.
Ms Ilori highlighted the importance of partnerships between journalism and public health as a cornerstone for an accountable health system.
She noted that quality reporting not only informs citizens and influences policy but can also save lives by exposing gaps that require urgent attention.
“While Nigeria has made significant progress in its HIV response, sustaining these gains will require stronger partnerships, better coordination, and continued investment in prevention, treatment, and health system improvements,” she said.
The NACA DG described the dialogue as a timely platform to reflect on progress, address persistent bottlenecks, and chart pathways toward a more sustainable, people-centred health sector.
10:20 am:
Similarly, she expressed optimism that insights from the forum would support ongoing national health reforms and bring the country closer to achieving universal health coverage.
Concluding her remarks, Ms Ilori congratulated the organisers and participants, urging them to push for solutions that enhance the well-being of Nigerians.
10:22 a.m.:
In her goodwill message, Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, highlighted the importance of evidence-based reporting in shaping public health debates.
Ms Ihekweazu said credible information sources empower citizens to hold the government accountable and promote transparency in health policy and service delivery.
She stressed the significance of community-level reporting, citing Nigeria Health Watch’s Community HealthWatch project, which trains journalists to track healthcare delivery in local facilities.
“Fixing primary healthcare is not just about buildings; it is about the quality of care people receive in these communities,” she said.
10:24 a.m.:
Ms Ihekweazu also spoke about the role of technology and innovation in improving access to healthcare, maternal care, and health system accountability. She noted that achieving universal health coverage requires informed citizens and an evidence-driven approach to policymaking and funding decisions.
She concluded by urging participants to use the dialogue as a platform to engage officials, share evidence, and push for practical, sustainable health reforms.
10:30 a.m.
Representing the Managing Director/EIC of PUNCH, Joseph Adeyeye, and Deputy Editor, Weekend Titles, Tessy Igomu at the Punch, highlighted the role of credible and fact-based journalism in shaping Nigeria’s health sector.
She noted that platforms like the National Health Dialogue are essential for policymakers, journalists, researchers, and civil society to reflect on health challenges, exchange ideas, and recommend solutions for a healthier nation.
10:40 a.m
In his keynote address, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA),
Muyi Aina, highlighted the progress and ongoing priorities in Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.
Mr Aina noted that there is the need for evidence, innovation, and adequate financing to strengthen health service delivery.
10: 45 am:
He highlighted that the government has completed over 2,000 additional primary healthcare facilities in the last two years, many of which are fully equipped and staffed.
More than 70,000 health workers have been trained, and over 46–47 million primary healthcare service visits have been recorded, Mr Aina said.
10: 50 am
He added that efforts focus on maternal and child health, with millions pregnant women being followed, and a 22.5 per cent increase in antenatal care attendance observed.
Mr Aina noted that some of the innovations include digital tracking, digitised financial management, and expanded connectivity for vaccination campaigns, ensuring funds are properly monitored and services delivered efficiently.
10:57 am
In terms of collaboration with state governments, he stressed the need for local authorities, and media to partner in order to achieve sustained accountability, improved access, and building community trust in the primary healthcare system.
11:14 a.m.
The planned fireside chat with the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Pate was cancelled as the Minister was called in for a state welfare programme.
11:18 a.m
Fireside Chat with Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe
Moderated by Moji Makanjuola, a veteran journalist and presenter, the session opened with a recognition of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
11:23 a.m. – Mrs Balarabe highlighted the Kaduna State’s commitment to driving change in health.
She noted that health has consistently received 15 per cent of the state’s total budget under the administration of Governor Uba Sani which came on board in 2023. The Deputy Governor emphasised the importance of involving young people in governance, as they represent the future of the state’s leadership and development.
11:29 a.m: Mrs Balarabe further emphasised the importance of educating and empowering future leaders, noting that the quality of leadership depends on the opportunities provided today.
She highlighted Kaduna State’s multi-sectoral approach to health, linking education, nutrition, and healthcare to build resilience and sustainability.
She also mentioned efforts to strengthen emergency care and advance health service delivery across the state’s facilities.
11:30 a.m.
During the fireside chat, Mrs. Balarabe highlighted Kaduna State’s initiatives to strengthen primary healthcare, including upgrading facilities, expanding emergency care, and increasing the ambulance fleet.
She noted that the state has recruited and trained 1,800 healthcare workers, implemented monitoring and tracking systems, and partnered with organisations such as the Gates Foundation to enhance financing and service delivery in rural communities.
Mrs. Balarabe emphasised the importance of robust referral systems, integrating innovative healthcare solutions, and improving access to high-quality maternal and child health services across the state.
11:40 a.m
Speaking on maternal and neonatal mortality, Hadiza Balarabe, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, acknowledged that the state has yet to make a significant impact on maternal mortality but has seen improvements in neonatal outcomes.
“We’re operating at level two, focusing on providing emergency support for women. We cannot continue to have children while mothers are lost, so we are putting systems in place to ensure they receive the care they need,” she said.
Also, government officials from Jigawa and Katsina states shared the challenges their states face and the measures being taken to address them.
Health Minister Pate takes the stage.
11:49 a.m.
In his contribution, the CEO of Nisa Premier Hospital, Ibrahim Wadda, reflected on Nigeria’s healthcare progress and shared insights from public-private partnerships.
He underscored the importance of merit-based staffing, well-functioning equipment, and computerised hospital systems.
Mr Wadda stressed that healthcare must not be politicised or driven by sectional interests.
He emphasised that while Nigeria has the resources to provide quality care, achieving this requires equitable wealth distribution and sustained investment in the health sector.
11:50 am
During the session, Ms Makanjuola announced that in Kaduna State, 17 of the 23 ambulances referenced by the Deputy Governor had been delivered to enhance the state’s emergency healthcare capacity.
With regards to the role of academia, Umaru Pate, a professor of media and society, noted that academia has recently made significant contributions to strengthening journalism training, particularly in broadcasting.
“We have specifically designed programmes on health communication, developed in collaboration with UNICEF and UNESCO, and with input from industry professionals. I can assure you that the next generation of journalists will be professionally competent. They will possess the confidence, knowledge, and skills needed to handle information strategically—attracting the attention of policymakers, engaging communities, raising public interest, and generating the support required for effective communication,” Mr Pate, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Kashere, said.
“For decades, we had not invested” in healthcare, leading to decay of facilities. “The political consensus to invest in health had been shut,” the minister says.
At 12:00 p.m., the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate arrives.
A documentary highlighting the current state of healthcare is being screened.
The moderator announced that a fireside chat with the minister follows.
The pool of revenue that government has is limited, the minister says.
2004 was when Nigeria tried to fix the constitutional lacuna to tackle it’s healthcare crisis, the minister says. He thanks the then late health minister, Prof Lambo.
12:15 p.m.
Fireside chat with the minister of Health commences
Mr Pate said dialogue is a serious conversation, as well as a quiet time. “We need to give it the attention it deserves.
“I hope we will come to an understanding at the end of the dialogue.”
The documentary is very touching.
It took ten years from then (2004) to pass the health Act that established the BHCPF in 2014, the minister says.
Since this government came, the revenue to GDP has increased, the minister says, saying all tiers of government must now increase health spendings.
Nigeria has individual capacities but all were working at silos until the Tinubu administration came on board and brought everyone together, LGs, states, FG, development partners, etc to address the country’s health challenges.
12:19 p.m.:
Mr Pate said Nigeria has been pumping less than $8 per person per year.
We spent a lot of money on other priorities. Neither the government nor the private sector has invested enough in the health sector. Yet we have been spending on other things
Nigeria’s revenue to GDP is also one of the lowest in 2023.
We are beginning to see at least some reduction in maternal mortality, although that is still too small, the minister says.
“What has taken decays to atrophy, it will take time to fix,” the minister says.
There are some things that have begun to happen, we’ve seen improved PHC utilisation, reduced maternal mortality, increase private sector investment, and other growth, the minister says but acknowledges a lot of problems still remain.
The minister acknowledges the gaps between Budgetary allocations and releases in the FG and states, but says the federal government is tackling it’s side of the problem. He gives an example of a recently released N68 billion for vaccine procurement.
Have we earned enough of the trust of citizens? the minister says. He says governments must work to earn citizens trust.
Mr Pate noted that in every country, there is health inequality but the degree of inequality varies.
“To understand where we are coming from, we need to revisit the past, how the health care system was,” he said.
According to Mr Pate, local governance is saddled with the responsibility of primary health care while state governance is saddled with secondary health care. Federal government’s responsibility is research, policy and framework.
But that is not the case tooday, the minister said, adding, “The federal government has no business building primary health care in every local governments,” Mr Pate said.
12:20 p.m.
Minister Pate also emphasised that health is a life-critical issue. He noted that building an effective health system is ultimately a political choice, shaped by citizens, governments, and both public and private sectors.
Reflecting on trends over the past 30 years, he explained that resource allocation across local, state, and federal levels has historically been extremely low, averaging just $7–$8 per person per year, with most of the spending coming directly from households rather than governments.
Currently, spending has risen to about $15 per person per year, but this remains insufficient for robust healthcare delivery. He observed that budget allocations for health have been deprioritised compared to sectors such as telecommunications and digital infrastructure. “This underinvestment is evident in the state of health infrastructure, including inadequate equipment, facilities, and staffing.”
The federal government plans to allocate more resources and improve support for Primary Healthcare Centres. Citing research on maternal deaths in northern Nigeria from 30 years ago, he highlighted that maternal mortality is influenced by determinants beyond healthcare. He stressed: “We are trying to change these things. It takes time to fix. What has taken decades to destroy will take time to repair, and we are fixing it without distraction. Instead of complaining, we are working with stakeholders to address the health problems.”
12:25 p.m.
Mr Pate explained that Nigeria’s health system has long suffered from unclear responsibilities under fiscal federalism: local, state, and federal governments all have roles, but accountability has been weak. “In 2004, reforms sought to assign primary health care to local governments, secondary care to states, and tertiary care to federal authorities. However, implementation lagged, resulting in decades of underperformance,” he said.
He noted that the National Health Act, passed in 2014, was designed to create a framework for basic health care, but meaningful execution has only accelerated in the past two years. Two-thirds of Ministry of Health contracts over the last decade were only implemented recently, focusing on revitalising primary health care even where it was not strictly a federal responsibility.
12:27 p.m.
To address these challenges, the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, launched in December 2023, focuses on four pillars: trust, governance, coordination with states, and engagement with development partners.
“The initiative establishes structures for transparency, accountability, quarterly performance reviews, and joint assessments to better respond to citizens’ needs,” the minister said.
Health services can be a part for the establishment of trust between the government and the people, the minister says. He makes reference to Nigerian community without schools, good roads and electricity but which still had successful vaccination.
12:29 p.m.
Mr Pate highlighted that the federal government has increased its health budget to nearly N2.7 trillion, effectively doubling prior allocations, with an expectation that states will match this effort.
He emphasised that increasing funds alone is not enough; budgets must be allocated efficiently, prioritising primary health care, hospitals, cancer care, and ICUs, while ensuring affordability for citizens.
He said initiatives like Maternal Cash Transfers are beginning to show early improvements in health outcomes, though results are still at an initial stage.
Mr Pate acknowledged Nigeria’s reliance on imported medical devices, with domestic production meeting only 75 per cent of demand, emphasising the need for private-public collaboration.
Minister pledges to use outcome of today’s dialogue to demand more funding for healthcare in Nigeria.
12:35 p.m.
Mr Pate emphasised that addressing Nigeria’s health challenges requires inclusive governance and collective responsibility across federal, state, local governments, and the private sector.
He highlighted the importance of amplifying positive achievements, rather than only focusing on problems, to build momentum for ongoing health initiatives.
He noted that primary health care is being strengthened, with some local governments already contributing over half of the efforts in implementation, and that attention to leadership and oversight at all levels is critical.
The minister noted that engaged leaders, including commissioners, governors, and private sector actors, are essential to identifying gaps and delivering solutions, rather than merely critiquing the system.
Mr Pate also cited examples of cross-country learning, with professionals from Nigeria and other African countries sharing expertise, demonstrating that progress is possible when resources, leadership, and attention are aligned.
He urged civil societies, the media, and citizens to focus on solutions and constructive engagement, supporting both public interest and private sector participation to improve service delivery.
12:39 p.m.
Mr Pate highlighted a recent swift allocation of N68 billion by Gates Foundation for health programmes.
He said the funds, now in the CBN, are fully federal and cover essential programmes such as child immunisations, with states not contributing.
He noted that governance and efficient allocation of resources are as important as the amount of money available.
He said existing funds can be spent more effectively by prioritising primary health care and essential services over less critical expenditures.
The minister urged the civil society to monitor spending trends and efficiency, not just demand more funding, to ensure impact and accountability.
Mr Pate said health services play a crucial role in rebuilding public trust, especially when women facing emergency complications receive timely and committed care. “When a woman, her family, and her neighbours see that the system responds and saves lives, they begin to trust that government is actually investing in their well-being,” he said.
The minister stressed that health workers must also uphold the highest professional standards, noting that the sector suffers when practitioners abandon their duties or refuse essential care.
“We call ourselves professionals, so we must behave as professionals who care about lives and healing. Even when there are grievances, responsible professionals find constructive ways to engage and resolve issues,” he said.
He added that strengthening accountability is central to restoring confidence in the system. “For years, nobody asked us about KPIs, targets, or the values driving the system. We introduced these measures so people can see we are trying to meet their needs,” he said, noting that decades of unmet promises have contributed to public distrust.
Mr Pate explained that trust remains essential for the success of health programmes, including immunisation and primary healthcare services, even where facilities and personnel have been improved.
“Citizens will only engage if they trust the system,” he said, adding that the administration is committed to rebuilding that confidence.
12:55 p.m.
The minister explained that mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety require empathy, awareness, and early support rather than stigma.
He noted that government is integrating mental-health services into primary healthcare and strengthening training for health workers, although challenges like limited numbers of psychiatrists remain.
Mr Pate stressed that substance abuse, especially among young people, is a major driver of mental-health crises and is being addressed by relevant agencies.
On affordability, he acknowledged that healthcare costs remain difficult for many Nigerians, but emphasised that expanding health insurance and increasing budget allocations will help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
He added that trust in the health system also depends on health workers showing empathy, professionalism, and respect, while regulators continue to address malpractice.
12:58 p.m.
The minister noted that all 8,000 functional PHCs are now receiving BHCPF funds, and the government has stretched itself to add 5,000 more PHCs to the funding pipeline, with significant progress expected next year depending on available resources and verification.
He explained that increasing the federal health budget is a shared responsibility involving the Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly, but expressed hope that the 2026 allocation will move closer to six per cent of the national budget, the highest in Nigeria’s history.
He also said advocacy is ongoing, including with the finance committee, to expand excise funding for public health.
1 p.m.
Addressing journalists and media professionals, Mr Pate emphasised that their voices are critical in holding both federal and state governments accountable on health financing.
He added that building trust and improving the system requires continuous conversation, collaboration, and correction where necessary.
1:07 p.m. – Vote of Thanks by CJID Board Chairman
The Chairperson of the CJID Board, Umaru Pate, expressed appreciation to all participants and partners, with special gratitude to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate.
He noted that despite the demands of his schedule and the pressures of leading the ministry, the minister promptly accepted their invitation and made time to attend the dialogue.
1:08 p.m.
It’s time for tea break and networking session.
1:39 p.m.
In her presentation, Mrs Onwuzoo cited an investigative story on the N41 billion Akwa Ibom Specialist Hospital. The story exposed rotting facilities in the clinic despite the billions of naira spent.
She said the report prompted action including the recruitment of doctors to the facility.
1:46 p.m.
She presented another story on open defecation in Lagos motor parks and according to her, the government immediately responded.
Another impactful story, she said, is how a border community in Ogun state gets water from Benin Republic and the national border agency responded swiftly.
1:49 p.m.
Mrs Onwuzoo shared more stories adding that the Punch newspaper ensure that their stories are inclusive, highlighting instances on the plights of people with disability.
1:53 p.m.
A participant encouraged journalists to focus on reports that not only highlight wrongs, but also advocate for positive change.
1:59 p.m.:
Katsina State Commissioner for Health, Musa Funtua, highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
Mr Funtua noted that Katsina operates a seven per cent health budget allocation, focused on ensuring that investments directly benefit ordinary citizens.
The state has prioritised community engagement and delivering projects that address local needs, the commissioner said.
In addition, he said the state government is implementing a comprehensive primary healthcare plan, including upgrading facilities and tackling human-resource shortages.
Mr Funtua said the North-west state under the Dikko Radda administration has completed more than 200 fully functional comprehensive health centres, all equipped and staffed, as part of its broader roadmap to expand access to essential services across the state.
It is being moderated by Tolulope Aderelu-Balogun of News Central.
The panel features Nike Adebowale Tambe, Health Editor at Premium Times; Ibrahim Wada, CEO of Nisa Premier Hospital; Bello Jamoh, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board; and Nusirat Elelu, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), who joined the discussion virtually.
2:10 p.m.:
The first panel session, “The Real Cost of Primary Healthcare: Examining the State of PHC Delivery at the Sub-National Level,” is ongoing.
The panel is moderated by Tolulope Aderelu-Balogun of News Central.
The panel features PREMIUM TIMES Health Editor,
Nike Adebowale-Tambe; CEO of Nisa Premier Hospital, Mr Wada; the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Bello Jamoh; and the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), Nusirat Elelu, who joined the discussion virtually.
2:18 p.m.
Responding to the first panel question, Mr Jamoh explained that Kaduna State has put systems in place to address staffing and service gaps in primary healthcare centres.
He noted that whenever a health worker retires, the state immediately initiates the recruitment process to ensure continuity of service.
He highlighted that the state currently manages 260 primary healthcare facilities, out of which about 200 are fully functional, with some having upgraded systems, supporting smooth operations.
He added that the state is also working closely with communities, ensuring that services reach people at the grassroots through regular supervision and engagement.
According to the official, Kaduna State is focused on strengthening generation-to-generation health capacity, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that the primary healthcare sector is properly organised and staffed.
2:13 p.m.
The moderator introduced the last panelist Obinna Onwujekwe, Editor-in-Chief African Journal of Health Economics
2:25 p.m.
In her intervention, Mrs Elelu highlighted the critical role of infrastructure revitalisation and human resources in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Kwara.
She explained that the North-central state prioritises functional PHCs ensuring at least one upgraded facility in each local government.
The official noted that the state has recruited over 1,000 health workers this year and continues to focus on equitable distribution, performance incentives, and capacity building, including digital skills and emergency training.
On his part, Mr Wada acknowledged the significant contribution of PREMIUM TIMES in mobilising government accountability. He noted that while public health indices remain challenging in Nigeria, there is reason for optimism.
He highlighted the role of private healthcare, which now serves a large portion of Nigerians, and emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in improving service quality and continuity of care.
2:33 p.m:
Meanwhile, Mrs Adebowale-Tambe spoke on the role of journalists in advancing health service delivery. She noted that the role of journalists is accountability but journalists are facing challenges in discharging that function.
One major challenge is the relationship with sources, she said, adding that the health workers are always afraid of sharing health information due to fear of job loss.
She emphasised the importance of protecting sources, using digital tools to safeguard sensitive data, and relying on credible reports like the NDHS, while acknowledging that more data is still needed to inform reporting effectively.
2:38 p.m:
Ms Adebowale-Tambe noted that Nigeria’s health problems often come to light because sources provide information from behind the scenes.
These sources help journalists keep public attention on the failures in the health sector. She noted that protecting sources while still telling impactful stories is difficult, especially when dealing with sensitive cases.
While many insist on anonymity for safety, some sources do not want to remain anonymous.
She admitted this creates ethical dilemmas for journalists and journalists are still working out the best approach for such situations.
On the power of visual storytelling, she explained that video evidence is far more powerful than narration.
“The documentary showed earlier during the dialogue showed the faces and suffering of people harmed by the weak health system, especially in rural areas,” she said. “Seeing these stories on screen made the crisis feel more real and painful for viewers.”
2:42 p.m.
Mrs Adebowale-Tambe also noted that investigative journalism exposes major gaps in primary healthcare, especially in rural areas.
She noted that public attention and outcry from reports can lead to real change.
Mrs Adebowale-Tambe urged for more collaboration among journalists amd media platforms for impactful investigations.
She gave examples on successful cross-border collaborations such as the ICIJ projects that produced the Panama Papers and Pandora Papers. These, project, she said, have led to impact across the world.
2:42 p.m
Mrs Adebowale-Tambe also noted that investigative journalism exposes major gaps in primary healthcare, especially in rural areas.
She noted that public attention and outcry from reports can lead to real change.
Mrs Adebowale-Tambe urged for more collaboration among journalists amd media platforms for impactful investigations.
She gave examples on successful cross-border collaborations such as the ICIJ projects that produced the Panama Papers and Pandora Papers. These, project, she said, have led to impact across the world.
2:45 pm
Mr Jamoh also emphasised the need to balance political priorities with technical planning to ensure sustainable funding and long-term PHC development.
He said sustainability requires realistic planning, prioritising interventions, and using local data.
He highlighted specific targets which include reducing maternal mortality by 25–30 per cent within the first two years of government and improving female reproductive health, vaccine penetration, and overall community health outcomes.
2:45 pm
Participants asked about dedicated funding for maternal health, the types of commodities provided, and recommendations for improving public-private partnerships in healthcare.
They also raised concerns about the drivers of primary healthcare (PHC) challenges in rural areas, especially security issues that leave facilities, equipment, and vaccines vulnerable.
Similarly, questions addressed how sub-national governments can implement innovative strategies to improve PHC services for women, girls, and marginalised groups, particularly in the context of gender-based violence and health disparities.
2:54 p.m
Responding to questions from the audience, Mr Jamoh explained that the state operates a mix of primary health facilities. He said Katsina State has 255 wards with 255 primary healthcare facilities, plus an additional 35 basic PHCs, bringing the total to 290 centres.
He noted that the major contributors to maternal mortality are complications that occur during labour and immediately after childbirth.
To address this, the state has trained 10 nurses and midwives in each of its 23 local government areas—about 230 personnel in total. The training, he said, focuses on managing labour, preventing postpartum haemorrhage, and responding quickly to emergencies.
He added that the programme, which stresses active management during labour and emergency care after childbirth, has been running since early this year and will continue for the next 16–18 months.
3:00 p.m
Speaking on the safety of health workers, Ms Elelu said the level of protection provided depends on the security situation in each community.
She added that all apex primary healthcare centres upgraded to Level Two status in Kwara must have dedicated security personnel, noting that this is essential for operating 24-hour services.
She said the state has also introduced measures such as perimeter fencing, a guardhouse, and staff quarters to ensure health workers can live and work safely on site.
3:09 pm
A session on state government commitment to health financing priorities for 2026 commenced.
Ifeyinwa Blossom, Permanent Secretary, Abia State Health Ministry highlighted that the Abia State government is renovating and revitalising over 200 primary health centres, ensuring they are equipped with staff and necessary infrastructure to provide essential care.
She said the government is also strengthening general hospitals and teaching hospitals to handle cases beyond primary care. Security and accessibility for health workers and patients are being enhanced, including the deployment of Emergency Medical Care Staff (EMCS) to high-density areas.
Ms Blossom said community engagement and preventive outreach programmes are being expanded to increase utilisation of health facilities.
She noted that the government has allocated N1.6 trillion for the health sector in 2026, up from N765 billion the previous year.
3:20 pm
Sheriff Gbadamosi, the Advocacy and Community Engagement Manager, presented on Nigeria Health Watch’s community engagement strategies, highlighting pilot programmes implemented in selected local government areas in Niger and Kano states.
The initiative focuses on deepening community participation in primary health care governance and accountability by creating spaces for citizen feedback, driving grassroots accountability, and reinforcing trust in the health system.
He said building on this momentum, the project plans to scale up to Kaduna and Lagos states for implementation in 2025.
Mr Gbadamosi, speaking on citizen engagement, said there is a pressing need to revive public participation in governance. He noted that citizens’ voices must be the loudest for Primary Health Care (PHC) to function effectively, adding that these voices are increasingly amplified through social media platforms and public feedback channels.
He disclosed that they have so far published 68 reports—42 from Kano, 19 from Niger, and seven from Kaduna.
Focusing on rural communities where healthcare access is weakest, Mr Gbadamosi said the key issues identified include frequent drug stock-outs, poor water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions, low enrollment in health insurance, and other barriers that limit access to care.
On outreach and communication, he acknowledged the limitations of their current reach, explaining that they have expanded their efforts through radio programmes that target hard-to-access settlements. Health workers now deliver consistent health-education messages via radio to ensure that even remote populations are informed and engaged.
3:30 pm
Lunch break
4:30 p.m
The moderator, Mr Chukwudi, reconvened the dialogue and introduced the next session, which focused on mobilising finance for health in a post-aid era.
Moderating the session is Eniitan Tejuoso of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).
The panel features General Manager Charles Doherty of the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme; Chief Executive Officer of the Solina Centre, Uchenna Igbokwe; the Senior Country Director of Pathfinder International, Amina Aminu Dorayi; and the Team for Strengthening Health System at Budgit, Biobele Davidson.
4:36 p.m
Mr Igbokwe emphasised the heavy reliance of immunisation services on external support and the need to transition to sustainable, government-backed funding.
Mr Igbokwe also highlighted the role of private sector investment alongside government budgets and insurance schemes to ensure a more sustainable health sector.
He outlined the current policy efforts, which include expanding mandatory health insurance, increasing the Basic Health Care Provision Fund from 1 per cent to 2 per cent, encouraging greater private-sector involvement, promoting evidence-based decision-making across government
He said these steps show Nigeria is “moving in the right direction” but must deepen its investment in the health of its citizens.
At 4:45 pm
Ms Dorayi highlighted key points on building a sustainable, sovereign health system in Nigeria in light of declining foreign aid.
She noted that Nigeria has been heavily aid-dependent over the past 20 years, which has not delivered the desired results despite significant investment.
She proposed that each ministry in the states allocate at least one per cent of their budgets to health, creating a trust fund that the community can manage and hold accountable.
The health expert said this approach, combined with judicious use of resources and domestic innovation, can strengthen financing for primary healthcare, reduce dependency on foreign aid, and improve trust in the health system.
She said the current funding challenge as an opportunity to rethink and build a self-sufficient health system in Nigeria.
4:44 p.m
In addition, Mr Igbokwe noted that while donor support has been crucial in Nigeria’s fight against HIV, TB, malaria, and vaccine-preventable diseases, sustainable progress depends on stronger community-level health promotion and more predictable domestic financing.
He highlighted ongoing legislative discussions on new health taxes, including proposed levies on sugary beverages and alcohol, which could broaden the country’s fiscal space for health.
At the same time, he cautioned that government budgets alone cannot sustain essential services, calling for increased private-sector investment and a shift in mindset—viewing health not just as a social good but as a viable business sector capable of generating returns.
Ms Dorayi observed that despite decades of aid worth billions of dollars, outcomes and value for money have often fallen short of expectations.
She added that the sharp reduction in US development assistance earlier this year could be seen as a silver lining, spurring fresh innovations across African health systems.
4:49 p.m
In his submission, Mr Doherty stressed that Nigeria’s health sector must shift from talk to action. He called on governments to increase domestic funding, reduce dependence on partners, and address high out-of-pocket spending, which still accounts for over 70 per cent of total health expenditure.
He noted that most states remain well below the Abuja Declaration target of allocating 15 per cent of budgets to health and continue to face basic infrastructural gaps, including unreliable electricity, water, and digital systems.
While insurance coverage has grown significantly—from about 2 per cent several years ago to roughly 30 per cent today, Mr Doherty said it remains insufficient.
He added that donor funds often fail to reach frontline services, getting lost in logistics rather than supporting actual service delivery. He emphasised that the public still expects greater commitment from state governments to ensure meaningful progress.
4:53 p.m
He highlighted that out-of-pocket expenses account for about 70 per cent of healthcare spending, while government allocations have often remaimed below five per cent in many states.
Mr Doherty emphasised the need to expand health insurance coverage, noting that health insurance uptake has increased from around two per cent to 10 per cent in recent years, but remains insufficient.
He also highlights the importance of linking federal and state systems to improve service delivery, including free operations and emergency treatments for pregnant women.
He observed that transparency and efficient allocation of resources were highlighted as critical, with an observation that roughly 65 per cent of funds go to logistics, leaving less than 40 per cent for actual operations.
Mr Doherty concluded that Nigeria has the human and institutional capacity to excel in health provision and must focus on strategic, well-managed domestic financing.
4:59 p.m
Participants asked about ways Nigerians can prioritise preventive health to reduce avoidable medical costs, noting that many only seek care once illnesses become severe.
They also raised concerns about how communities can take genuine ownership of health initiatives, emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and active engagement to ensure easier access to services such as HIV testing.
These questions underscore the critical role of community-driven health actions and the support local health workers provide in facilitating this shift.
5:05 p.m
Ms Davidson spoke on community engagement and accountability in health financing.
She emphasised that decisions are often made without input from the communities directly affected, and stressed the importance of including community members in governance.
Ms Davidson noted that feedback mechanisms were previously weak and that digital tools like the PHC Tracker can improve monitoring and engagement.
She stressed the need to strengthen budget credibility through transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.
Ms Davidson concluded that leveraging digital data can track trends, measure impact, and build trust.
5:12 p.m.
Mrs Dorayi acknowledged the comments by Mr Doherty.
She emphasised the need to improve health understanding beyond medical treatment.
She highlighted that health encompasses physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being, and stressed the importance of preventive care and lifestyle management to reduce the need for serious medical interventions.
Mrs Dorayi noted the critical role of media and public communication in making health information accessible.
She also stressed the impact of health workers’ attitudes on patient experience, emphasising that negative interactions can drive people away from formal care.
She also called for urgent action on women’s health, describing it as a “state of emergency” and asserting that preventable maternal and perinatal deaths are unacceptable.
5:19 p.m.
Responding to questions on preventive health, Mr Doherty highlighted the need for community engagement, public education, and systemic improvements.
He said that communities must come together to promote awareness and personal responsibility, including simple measures such as mask-wearing.
On her part, Ms Dorayi noted the importance of starting health education from childhood and avoiding over-medicalisation, stressing that health encompasses mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
She urged the media to simplify health information to counter misinformation and highlighted the need to treat maternal health as a national emergency, calling for accountability for preventable deaths.
In his intervention, Mr Igbokwe said creating millions of local health champions beyond professional health workers is essential.
He cited the Community Women’s Rehabilitation Network which trains young women to educate peers and households, leveraging existing community structures to propagate preventive health messages effectively.
5:20 p.m.
Mr Igbokwe also emphasised the role of community-based health champions in scaling health interventions efficiently.
5:21 p.m.
Panel session end.
5:29 p.m.
Moses Essien, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health noted that while Nigeria allocates only 5.7 per cent of its national budget to health far below the 15 per cent target set by the Abuja Declaration, the state has demonstrated stronger commitment with allocations ranging between 11 per cent and 11.6 per cent.
He said this, combined with legislative oversight visits and the state’s declared health emergency, reflects a serious effort to close healthcare gaps and strengthen the system.
Mr Essien highlighted that Akwa Ibom currently has more than 400 private healthcare centres and over 42 secondary health facilities. To address existing challenges, the government has set a one-year emergency timetable focused on upgrading health infrastructure.
“Planned improvements include the modernisation of at least eight secondary health facilities between November and January, as well as the upgrade of 25 primary healthcare centres with new medical equipment and improved infrastructure,” he said.
He added that the health emergency has also enabled expanded recruitment, with 3,000 personnel including some retirees engaged to bolster the workforce.
“Overall, the state aims to ensure that its network of secondary and primary facilities becomes more modern, efficient, and well-equipped to meet citizens’ needs,” Mr Essien said.
5:35 p.m.
Mr Essien highlighted efforts to address manpower gaps, including the recruitment of 3,000 health workers (an initial 1,000 plus an additional 2,000), as well as rehiring retired nurses and doctors from 2015 onwards.
He also noted infrastructural improvements: upgrading over 400 Primary Health Care Centres and 14 secondary health facilities, with plans to upgrade eight secondary facilities and at least 25 PHCs by January 2025, alongside the establishment of model private health centres across all 31 local government areas to enhance service delivery and facility
5:40 p.m.
Muhammad Kainuwa, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Jigawa State, highlighted the state’s health financing and service delivery priorities for 2026.
Mr Kainuwa emphasised that primary health care centres are staffed 24/7 with resident doctors to ensure pregnant women, children, and other patients receive timely care.
He said the 2025 budget allocated N9.4 billion to PHCs, reflecting the state’s commitment to universal health coverage.
From February to August 2026, over 40 health facilities will be upgraded with modern equipment to improve service delivery, he said.
“The state health insurance scheme has enrolled 152,000 vulnerable persons and civil servants from salary grades 1–6 receive free coverage, while higher grades contribute via salary deductions.”
His presentation also covered key operational gaps in state, including water supply, staff accommodations, functional laboratory modules, and solar power availability.
5:45 p.m.
Mr Kainuwa highlighted that his state, one of Nigeria’s rural regions, has operated a comprehensive performance-based health system since 2023. He said accountability is central to their approach, with monthly monitoring of health facilities, staff attendance, and key service indicators such as admissions, antenatal visits, and deliveries.
He explained that the state has mapped its human resources across all 27 local government areas, tracking midwives, nurses, laboratory technicians, and other health workers, as well as identifying infrastructure gaps including solar power, water supply, accommodation, laboratories, and essential equipment.
According to him, governance and legal reforms are also underway. These include revising primary healthcare laws to ensure the state funds 40 per cent of staff salaries, appointing key local government health officers, and strengthening the contributory health agencies to incorporate equity funding.
Mr. Kainuwa noted efforts to improve staff welfare, including the recruitment of 1,924 private health workers, 200 senior professionals, and 488 permanent staff across nursing, pharmacy, laboratory, and medical officer roles.
He added that the state is one of the few that places National Youth Service Corps members on its payroll to boost health manpower.
He further disclosed that 184 medical students were sponsored to study at Near East University in Cyprus, while accreditation for medical training improved from two years to five years, ensuring greater stability. The admission quota for local medical training institutions also expanded significantly—from 120 to 720 students annually—broadening the pipeline of future health professionals.
Additionally, he announced that a new School of Nursing is under construction, backed by a ₦5 billion investment, as part of the state’s long-term plan to enhance service delivery, equity, and accountability across all 27 LGAs.
5:50 p.m.
Mr Kainuwa continued his presentation, announcing that Jigawa State introduced free dialysis for chronic kidney disease patients on 1 March 2025.
The programme began at the established dialysis centres in Gumel and Hadejia General Hospitals.
He reported that 937 dialysis sessions were conducted between March and October 2025, with 342 patients receiving care within the period.
The state spent N399 million to establish the first two centres, the commissioner said.
Mr Kainuwa added that three additional dialysis centres have been constructed in Dutse, Kazaure and Ringim General Hospitals, with contracts worth N720 million already awarded for equipping them.
He also revealed that the state government is partnering with the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) to investigate the causes of rising renal failure cases in Jigawa and across the wider Chad Basin region, expanding on earlier findings from the National Institute of Chemical Research.
6:11 p.m
The Health Innovation Showcase is underway, and DRO Health is now presenting its solution.
6:00 p.m
Mr Kainuwa explained that the 2024 Malaria Eradication Program (MEP) featured an integrated campaign involving the distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) drugs across the state.
He said that the state government received a recognition award from both the Global Fund and the National Malaria Eradication Programme.
According to him, the ITN campaign reached 6.8 million people, representing 97 per cent of the target population.
He added that the SMC campaign achieved an average coverage of 96 per cent after the fourth cycle, meaning that 1.3 million children under five years received the SMC drugs.
6:20 p.m
Help Mum is now presenting its innovation and outlining the healthcare challenges it seeks to address.
6:35 p.m
The moderator, Mr Ifeanyi, has called on the CJID Executive Director, Mr Akintunde, to give his closing remarks.
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