FG Reaffirms Push for Citizen-Centred Health Reforms as 66th National Council on Health Opens in Calabar
By Onwe Wisdom|Pan Afric Reporters Abuja
The Federal Government on Monday restated its commitment to strengthening a citizen-centred health system as it opened the Technical Session of the 66th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Health (NCH) in Calabar, Cross River State.
Declaring the session open, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, mni, according to a press release e-signed by Ministry’s Head of Information & Public Relations, Alaba Balogun said the 2025 NCH theme “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience and Innovation” reflects the government’s resolve to put Nigerians at the heart of health policy and decision-making.
Kachollom described the Technical Session as the “engine room of the NCH”, adding that it is where “ideas are interrogated, evidence is weighed and technical recommendations are shaped for consideration of the Council.”
She outlined ongoing federal reforms, including primary healthcare revitalisation, supply chain optimisation, digital health expansion, strengthening of the health workforce, and the implementation of the newly approved Health Workforce Migration Policy. According to her, these efforts are designed to rebuild public trust and ensure a more equitable and resilient system.
“The comprehensive agenda before this Council reflects our determination to build a health system that is inclusive, efficient, and centred on the Nigerian citizen,” she said. “Our recommendations must be practical, cost-effective, and aligned with the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint 2023–2027.”
The Permanent Secretary also commended the Cross River State Government for hosting the meeting, while appreciating federal and state officials, agencies, and development partners for their contributions to health sector collaboration.
Welcoming participants, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, said hosting the 66th NCH offers an opportunity for the country to intensify efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He stressed that equitable access to quality healthcare remains the cornerstone of national development.
“As we gather here today at the 66th NCH, we are provoked to make healthcare available to all Nigerians, where the rich and the poor can get health benefits equally and where the healthy can contribute to make the unhealthy become more healthy,” Dr. Ayuk said.
He wished all delegates comprising Commissioners for Health and their Permanent Secretaries from the 36 states and the FCT, as well as development partners and other stakeholders successful and impactful deliberations.
The 66th National Council on Health continues with technical reviews and consideration of council memos aimed at advancing Nigeria’s health reforms into 2026 and beyond.
