Nigeria Pushes Innovation, Private Partnerships to Achieve Universal Health Coverage
Korede Abdullah LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigerian health officials and industry experts call for stronger innovation and public-private partnerships to accelerate universal health coverage for the country’s growing population.
The call is made at the 2026 annual conference of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria in Lagos, where policymakers and health leaders discuss strategies to improve access and quality of care.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Health, Dr Saheed Ogunme of the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute‑Metta stresses that healthcare transformation requires collaboration.
“Transformation is not a theoretical ambition but a practical necessity,” Ogunme says. “Innovation and partnership are indispensable to achieving universal health coverage for all Nigerians.”
Nigeria’s population of more than 220 million people continues to place heavy pressure on the health system, he says, while maternal and child mortality remain major challenges.
“Nigeria accounts for nearly one in five maternal deaths globally,” Ogunme says. “These are not just statistics but families whose potential contributions to national development are lost.”
He also warns that out-of-pocket spending accounts for over 70 percent of healthcare costs, pushing many families into poverty. Nigeria Pushes Innovation, Private Partnerships to Achieve Universal Health Coverage
Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner for Health Akin Abayomi says the state aims to position itself as a regional healthcare hub.
“Evidence suggests Lagos is on track to become a centre for medical tourism in West Africa,” Abayomi says.
Healthcare Federation President Njide Ndili says the private sector will continue investing in data-driven solutions to strengthen the system.
Experts also call for stronger regulation and technology-driven monitoring of health facilities to expand healthcare coverage nationwide.
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Otamere Gladness 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius