FG unveils strategic tools, reaffirms commitment to primary healthcare
By Matthew Denis
The Federal Government has reassured its commitment towards enhancing primary healthcare delivery across Nigeria with the launch of a series of strategic tools, reports, and digital platforms aimed at improving accountability and service outcomes.
This programme unveiled at session of the 2025 Joint Annual Review (JAR) Conference in Abuja recorded top dignitaries cutting across government circles, health leaders, and development partners to evaluate progress in the health sector and set new targets for the future.
During his Keynote address, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the tools as crucial in advancing the implementation of national health policies and addressing priority needs within the sector.
“These products reflect our commitment to transparency, data-driven accountability, use of evidence for action, and achieving results that truly matter for our people,” he said. “They respond directly to some of our highest priorities.”Prof. Pate explained that the tools have been fully codified to help health institutions strengthen operational clarity, track performance, and sustain progress already being made.
He emphasized that digitizing these frameworks ensures consistency, promotes standards, and supports long-term reforms.According to him, “The tools provide evidence, hopefully more clarity operationally, and a mechanism for accountability, so we can sustain the progress that we are beginning to make. Without codifying these changes, maintaining standards becomes difficult.”
The Minister urged state governments to adopt and integrate the tools into their systems for maximum impact.“For the states, I encourage you to take those tools and have them as reference materials. Display them electronically on your websites and ensure your technical experts use them as guides for action,” he said.
Prof. Pate also took full responsibility for any shortcomings that may arise in the new documents.“If there are any gaps or errors in these tools, I take responsibility,” he noted. “But for all that is good in them, the credit goes to the contributors.”
The Minister said the JAR Conference provided an opportunity for honest reflection on Nigeria’s health sector performance.“In the last three days, we have reviewed progress, challenges, and opportunities. We have made progress, but we also have challenges. Now, we are shifting from review to laying the foundations for action going forward.”
The 2025 Joint Annual Review aims to promote accountability, assess sector-wide advancements, and set the stage for sustainable improvements in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery.