The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ali Pate, has said Nigeria has the capacity to effectively respond to medical emergencies, while stressing that increased and sustained investment is still needed to strengthen the healthcare system.
Speaking on Sunday Politics, Pate noted that significant efforts have been made to improve emergency care and medical facilities across the country. He explained that many Nigerians seek treatment abroad not because quality care is unavailable locally, but often due to familiarity with past providers or lack of awareness of existing medical services in Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria has specialised facilities such as national eye and ear hospitals, as well as well-trained medical professionals, many of whom trained abroad and returned to serve in the country.
Pate revealed that healthcare funding has increased under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, rising from about four per cent in 2023 to over five per cent, reflecting stronger government commitment to the sector. He added that reforms are focused on expanding health insurance coverage, improving working conditions for health workers, increasing access to quality care, and strengthening international partnerships.
He highlighted progress in key areas, including reductions in maternal mortality and malaria, noting that 20 states recorded improved health outcomes in 2025 compared to the previous year. Access to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund has also expanded, with over 13,000 facilities now benefiting nationwide.
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Pate said more than 80 million visits were recorded at basic healthcare facilities in early 2025, a sharp rise from about 20 million visits in 2023. He also disclosed that 59 million children were immunised during recent campaigns, while health insurance coverage has grown to over 21 million Nigerians.
On infrastructure, he confirmed that three cancer centres have been completed, with three more under construction, and that over 73,000 health workers have been retrained. He also welcomed the establishment of a mosquito net manufacturing factory in Ogun State, describing it as a major step toward local production and malaria control.
Addressing industrial actions in the health sector, Pate expressed regret over past strikes, attributing them largely to unresolved legacy issues, including arrears exceeding ₦50 billion. He assured Nigerians that the government is working through dialogue and collective bargaining to address outstanding concerns and maintain stability in the health system.
Overall, the minister expressed optimism that with sustained funding and reforms, Nigeria’s healthcare sector will continue to improve and deliver better outcomes for citizens.
