FG Expands Jigi-Bola Eye Care Initiative to Reach Five Million Nigerians by 2027
…Salako reaffirms commitment to universal eye care, announces 25,000 free cataract surgeries under Renewed Hope Health Connect Programme
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has announced plans to expand its flagship Jigi-Bola eye care initiative to provide five million free spectacles and 25,000 free cataract surgeries by the end of 2027, as part of renewed efforts to achieve universal access to quality eye care and reduce avoidable blindness across Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, while declaring open the 49th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and the Annual General Meeting of the African Council of Optometry (AFCO) in Abuja.
The development was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, on July 30, 2026.
Addressing participants at the conference, themed “Optometrists in a Changing Africa: From Diversity to Unity,” Salako described the gathering as a timely platform for strengthening collaboration among eye care professionals across Africa to build resilient and inclusive health systems capable of addressing the continent’s growing burden of vision impairment.
The Minister stressed that eye health has become a major priority under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the Federal Government is implementing deliberate policies and strategic investments aimed at preventing avoidable blindness and integrating eye care into the broader healthcare system.
“Eye health is no longer being treated as an afterthought. The Federal Government has prioritised primary eye care and the prevention of avoidable blindness through deliberate policies and investments,” Salako said.
He highlighted significant progress recorded under the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024–2028), including the integration of eye care services across all levels of healthcare, the development of the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit to standardise diagnosis and treatment, and the training of ophthalmologists from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to strengthen glaucoma management nationwide.
Salako disclosed that under the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative, popularly known as Jigi-Bola 2.0, more than 2,220 Primary Health Care workers across 16 states have been trained and equipped to conduct vision screening and appropriately refer patients for specialised care.
He revealed that the mobile eye care programme has already screened nearly two million Nigerians, while more than 1.3 million free reading glasses have been distributed nationwide.
According to him, approximately 66 per cent of beneficiaries received spectacles for the first time in their lives.
“The initiative is being expanded under the Renewed Hope Health Connect Programme to deliver at least five million free spectacles and 25,000 free cataract surgeries across the country by the end of 2027,” the Minister announced.
Salako noted that investments in eye care deliver significant economic and social returns by improving educational outcomes, boosting productivity, reducing healthcare costs and promoting social inclusion.
“Studies have shown that for every one US dollar invested in global eye care, there is a return of between 28 and 36 US dollars through the prevention of vision loss, improved quality of life, reduced burden on the healthcare system and increased productivity,” he stated.
The Minister commended Nigerian optometrists for their dedication and described them as frontline professionals in community eye healthcare, playing a critical role in bridging the gap between primary vision screening and specialised clinical services.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Optometric Association to expand community-based eye care programmes, promote research and deepen the integration of optometric services into Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“As we look ahead, the Ministry remains fully committed to collaborating with the Nigerian Optometric Association to integrate these grassroots programmes even deeper into our national health architecture. We want to hear your ideas, tap into your research and lean on your expertise to make universal eye health a reality in Nigeria,” Salako said.
The Minister also congratulated the Nigerian Optometric Association for securing the headquarters of the African Council of Optometry in Nigeria and producing the President-elect of the continental body, describing both achievements as milestones for Nigeria’s eye care profession.
He urged optometrists to sustain professional excellence, mentor younger practitioners and continue partnering with government in expanding access to quality eye care services.
Declaring the conference officially open, Salako expressed confidence that deliberations would generate practical solutions to bridge existing gaps in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of vision loss in Nigeria and across Africa.
