FG Targets Universal Health Coverage with Digital Health Reforms, ₦235bn Investment in Primary Healthcare
Reforms could generate ₦4.8 trillion annually, cut medical tourism losses and reduce maternal, child deaths by 50% – Salako
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a resilient, inclusive and technology-driven health system through digital innovation, strategic investments and coordinated reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improving healthcare access for all Nigerians.
The commitment was reiterated by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, while delivering the keynote address at the Insights Learning Forum (ILF) 2026, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel on July 29, 2026.
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 29 July 2026.
Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening National Health Systems Through Inclusive Policy, Innovation and Service Delivery,” Salako said the Tinubu administration has moved away from fragmented health interventions towards integrated systems under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) launched in December 2023.
According to him, the Federal Government’s reforms are addressing longstanding challenges in healthcare delivery, including workforce shortages, inadequate infrastructure, financing constraints and fragmented service delivery.
“The Federal Government remains committed to building a resilient, equitable and technology-driven health system capable of meeting the healthcare needs of all Nigerians,” Salako stated.
The Minister explained that the National Digital Health Architecture, already endorsed by all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is laying the foundation for an interoperable digital health ecosystem anchored on the “One Patient, One Health Record” principle.
He noted that innovations such as telemedicine are already expanding access to quality healthcare, especially in underserved and rural communities.
Salako said the administration’s Eight-Point Health Agenda and the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint are driving comprehensive reforms backed by evidence-based policies, strategic partnerships and effective implementation.
He disclosed that the reforms have the potential to generate about ₦4.8 trillion in annual economic returns through reduced disease burden, retain an estimated ₦850 billion lost yearly to outbound medical tourism, reduce preventable maternal and child deaths by up to 50 per cent, and significantly improve national health outcomes.
Highlighting achievements recorded so far, the Minister said the Federal Government has developed more than 21 strategic health policies, expanded health insurance coverage, commenced over 500 high-impact health infrastructure projects, established 17 new federal tertiary health institutions and six Centres of Excellence for Cancer Care, revitalised primary healthcare facilities and strengthened health research systems.
On healthcare financing, Salako reiterated government support for legislative efforts to increase the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from one per cent to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
He revealed that ₦235 billion out of the cumulative ₦339 billion approved under the BHCPF has been released and disbursed since the inception of the current administration.
According to him, the latest ₦32.9 billion released in the second quarter of 2026 is supporting over 8,300 Primary Healthcare Centres nationwide through performance-based financing tied to clearly defined Disbursement Linked Indicators.
“The National Digital Health Architecture is creating an interoperable digital health ecosystem anchored on the principle of ‘One Patient, One Health Record,’ while telemedicine is improving access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved communities,” the Minister said.
Salako also highlighted progress in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare workforce through expanded recruitment and retention strategies, implementation of the Health Workforce Migration Policy, engagement of Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora, revitalisation of over 3,000 primary healthcare facilities, improved emergency ambulance services and measurable reductions in maternal and newborn mortality.
Despite the progress, he acknowledged that significant work remains and called on state governments, development partners, private sector organisations and health technology innovators to align with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Compact and the National Digital Health Architecture.
He stressed that greater collaboration is required to eliminate fragmented interventions and ensure coordinated implementation of health reforms through the Sector-Wide Approach.
The Minister also commended eHealth Africa for its sustained partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, particularly its role in solarising 238 public health facilities across 12 states under the National Power for Health Initiative, strengthening health information systems and supporting the establishment of Public Health Emergency Operations Centres in several states.
“These interventions are practical demonstrations of the impact of collaborative partnerships in advancing healthcare delivery,” Salako added.
He maintained that sustained collaboration among governments, development partners and the private sector remains critical to building an inclusive, efficient and resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the aspirations of all Nigerians.
