Posted on: Tue 07-07-2026

 

Nigeria's State Commissioners for Health have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating healthcare reforms through stronger collaboration with the Federal Government, improved healthcare financing, enhanced disease preparedness, and increased private sector participation aimed at delivering better health services nationwide.

The commitment was made during the Second Quarterly Meeting of the Nigeria Health Commissioners' Forum (NHCF), convened in Abuja under the Nigeria State Health Leadership Collaborative (NSHLC). Commissioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory reviewed progress on national and state health priorities while agreeing on measures to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.

The meeting underscored the importance of coordinated action between the Federal Government and state governments in implementing ongoing health sector reforms. Discussions focused on expanding primary healthcare services, improving maternal and child health outcomes, strengthening health insurance coverage, developing the health workforce, and ensuring sustainable financing for the health sector.

A major highlight of the meeting was a strategic engagement with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, during which commissioners presented updates on reforms in their respective states and explored practical strategies to improve policy coordination and service delivery.

The session also enabled states to showcase innovative health interventions while identifying implementation challenges requiring closer collaboration with federal institutions. Commissioners reviewed progress in workforce development, disease surveillance, primary healthcare revitalisation, and the implementation of national health priorities, stressing that sustainable improvements depend on effective partnerships across all levels of government.

The Forum further strengthened engagement with development partners and technical agencies to align external support with state priorities. Discussions with the World Health Organization (WHO) focused on its proposed multi year country strategy and opportunities to strengthen health systems while advancing Universal Health Coverage. Engagements with the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) Office examined ongoing health financing reforms and implementation of the HOPE-HEALTH programme.

Public health security also featured prominently on the agenda. Commissioners received a comprehensive briefing from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on the country's preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease, Bundibugyo Virus Disease, and other emerging infectious diseases. Deliberations centred on strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, emergency response coordination, cross-border collaboration, and state preparedness plans.

Participants reiterated their commitment to investing in early warning systems and emergency response mechanisms to improve the country's readiness for future disease outbreaks.

The meeting also considered policy initiatives aimed at improving healthcare quality nationwide. Commissioners reviewed the proposed National Health Facility Regulatory Agency Bill, currently before the National Assembly, which seeks to establish a unified regulatory framework for healthcare facilities through standard setting, accreditation, compliance monitoring, and strengthened patient safety measures.

Members welcomed the proposed legislation, noting that a stronger regulatory environment would complement state-led reforms by promoting quality assurance, institutional accountability, and improved standards across public and private healthcare facilities.

As part of efforts to strengthen local pharmaceutical production and supply chains, commissioners deepened collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG MAN) during its Sixth Annual Leadership Breakfast.

The meeting reviewed progress on the Group Purchasing Framework, through which participating states have pooled pharmaceutical demand valued at approximately N132 billion across 14 states for the procurement of 81 essential medicines and health commodities.

Commissioners pledged to encourage more states to establish Drug Management Agencies and participate in the pooled procurement initiative, noting that the arrangement has the potential to improve medicine availability, reduce procurement costs, and enhance supply chain efficiency.

Further engagements with the Society for Family Health and Zipline explored innovative approaches to reproductive, maternal, newborn and child healthcare, as well as technologydriven solutions for last mile healthcare delivery.

To ensure continuity of ongoing reforms, members unanimously approved a one year extension of the tenure of the Forum's Executive Committee, led by Dr. Oyebanji Filani, until June 2027. They noted that leadership continuity would support the effective implementation of ongoing initiatives, deepen stakeholder engagement, and strengthen the Forum's contribution to national health sector reforms.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to evidence-based policymaking, stronger health sector governance, expanded access to quality healthcare services, and the development of resilient health systems capable of responding effectively to current and future public health challenges.

Commissioners emphasized that sustained collaboration between the Federal Government and the states remains critical to translating national health policies into measurable improvements in healthcare delivery and achieving better health outcomes for all Nigerians.

---

---