Nigeria advances toward Universal Health Coverage with Renewed Sectoral Reforms – Pate

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate says Nigeria’s health sector has shown measurable progress across key performance indicators under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative launched in 2023 by President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking at a ministerial briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2025 Joint Annual Review and National Council on Health meeting, Professor Pate mentioned that the upcoming review would help assess collective progress and strengthen collaboration among federal, state, and local governments.

Themed “All Hands, One Mission: Bringing Nigeria’s Health Sector to Light,” the 2025 review aims to evaluate ongoing reforms, highlight achievements, and renew the national compact between the federal government, states, and development partners toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Pate revealed that this year’s compact would also engage local government areas, private sector stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society groups, in line with the National Health Act 2014.

According to the Minister, data collected nationwide show steady improvements in maternal and reproductive health indicators, including antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, family planning uptake, and facility-based deliveries.

“We are beginning to see signs of real progress. Primary healthcare utilization has increased sharply from 10 million visits in Q1 2024 to 45 million in Q2 2025,” Pate disclosed.

He noted that 37 out of 41 national health Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been met, while 35 states and the FCT have completed their own performance dialogues with citizen participation.

On service delivery, Pate highlighted the success of the “MAMI” initiative, which aims to reduce maternal mortality. Over 4,000 caesarean sections had been successfully performed in NHIA-accredited facilities across Nigeria.

The Minister also cited improved public confidence in the health system, referencing a recent citizens’ perception survey showing that 77% of Nigerians now express satisfaction and trust in government-led health reforms.

While acknowledging ongoing challenges such as healthcare affordability and declining external funding, Pate called for efficient resource management, stronger intergovernmental collaboration, and motivated healthcare workers to sustain current gains.

“We can now tell a data-driven story showing real progress. If we sustain this momentum, Nigeria’s health outcomes will continue to improve, and the world will take notice,” he assured.

The 2025 Joint Annual Review, which commences tomorrow in Abuja, will feature five spotlight sessions on maternal health, governance and accountability, local manufacturing of life science products, domestic financing, and health expenditure review.