By Joy Onu
The Federal Government says its health sector reforms are beginning to show measurable results, following sustained investments in workforce expansion, primary healthcare delivery, and local pharmaceutical production aimed at improving access to quality healthcare across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ado Bako, Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said the reforms were introduced in response to growing concerns over staffing shortages, weak infrastructure, healthcare financing pressures, and the continued migration of skilled medical professionals.
Data from the Ministry show that more than 37,000 health workers have been recruited into federal health facilities since 2023, while over 70,000 frontline workers have undergone additional training to strengthen service delivery. Authorities also point to a newly introduced National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, backed by a national registry designed to improve planning, retention, and recruitment practices.
At the primary healthcare level, the revised Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF 2.0) remains central to ongoing reforms. The programme has so far disbursed ₦32.9 billion to over 8,300 Primary Health Care Centres, with expansion plans expected to reach about 13,000 facilities nationwide.
The intervention has supported more than 80 million patient visits, while about 21 million vulnerable Nigerians have accessed care through the Vulnerable Groups Health Insurance Fund. Integration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has also strengthened disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness.
The government also said it is ramping up local pharmaceutical production through the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain to reduce reliance on imported medicines and improve access to essential drugs.
The Ministry also highlighted improvements in health infrastructure, maternal and newborn services, emergency response systems, and digital health reforms. A 2025 review of the sector shows that 84 percent of key performance targets under the Presidential Health Sector Renewal Compact have been achieved.
While challenges persist, officials say the reform programme is being driven through continued investment, stronger accountability systems, and collaboration with development partners and the private sector.
The government says the reforms are intended to strengthen the health system, improve outcomes, and reduce the cost of care for citizens.
