Oluwafunbi Bello 
SGF George Akume
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, signals fresh federal backing for healthcare reform, pledging to forward a proposal for the establishment of a Bank of Health to President Bola Tinubu.
Akume made the commitment on Wednesday while speaking at the 20th anniversary of Everbright Diagnostic Laboratory Services and the presentation of a book on workforce management in Nigeria’s health sector in Abuja.
Describing the proposal as timely and strategic, the SGF says the idea deserves serious consideration by the Federal Government. “The chairman has called for the establishment of a bank. I think it is a very good suggestion. I assure you I am going to make a memo to that effect to Mr President,” Akume says.
He reaffirms the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health system through policies that promote local capacity, institutional reform and expanded access to quality healthcare.
Akume also commends Everbright Diagnostics for its contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that its testing services play a critical role in Nigeria’s public health response.
Earlier, Everbright’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Everest Okpara, called for the creation of a dedicated financial institution to provide long-term, low-interest financing for healthcare providers. “If Nigeria can have a Bank of Industry and a Bank of Agriculture, then surely we can build a Bank of Health,” Okpara says.
He argues that such an institution would curb prohibitive interest rates, expand health infrastructure, reduce capital flight and reverse the brain drain affecting Nigeria’s doctors, nurses and specialists.
Nigeria’s healthcare sector continues to grapple with chronic underfunding, weak infrastructure and the migration of skilled professionals, challenges analysts say innovative financing could help address.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Koko Maxwella 