President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has embarked on a transformative journey to rectify Nigeria’s longstanding healthcare challenges. Aware of the sector’s important role in national development, his administration is implementing five interventions to make health services more cash-based, qualitatively better, and accessible (2).
1.1 Nigerian Health Sector Reinvigoration Investment Program
Initiated in December 2023, the project aims to reform the country’s primary healthcare system to prioritize maternal, reproductive, and child health services. One of its main aims is to have fully operational Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs)—inadequately functional PHCs were identified as a serious community service gap—growing from 8,809 to more than 17,600 by 2027 (3). This expansion will directly benefit millions by bringing critical services closer to underserved communities (4).
1.2 Training and Deployment of Health Workers
To tackle the shortage of skilled health professionals, the administration has pledged to train 120,000 health workers over a span of 16 months. By October 2024, 40,240 workers—including doctors, nurses, and midwives—will have completed their training. A revamped community health program is set to create an additional 126,000 jobs for health workers, ensuring broader coverage and better service delivery (6).
1.3 National Health Workforce Policy
Approved in August 2024, this policy represents a significant effort to retain medical talent in Nigeria and to bring back professionals from the diaspora into the national healthcare system (7). With more than 12,000 healthcare workers leaving the country each year, this policy aims to combat brain drain by improving working conditions and providing incentives to keep professionals in Nigeria (1).
1.4 Healthcare Expansion Programme
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) launched the Healthcare Expansion Programme in October 2024, aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure and providing retraining for professionals. This initiative seeks to ensure that advanced healthcare services are accessible across the country, promoting equitable access for both rural and urban communities. (1).
1.5 Executive Order on Healthcare Manufacturing
Signed in June 2024 and coming into effect in October 2024, this executive order removes tariffs, VAT, and excise duties on the machinery and raw materials necessary for the production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This action lowers production costs, encourages local manufacturing, and reduces Nigeria’s dependence on costly imports. Consequently, more than 30% of the new pharmaceutical companies established in 2024 credited their growth to this initiative. (1)
1.6 Impact in Numbers
· 17,600 PHCs: The target number by 2027, which is nearly double the current count. (1)
· 120,000 health workers: Aiming to be trained, with 40,240 already having undergone retraining. (1)
· 126,000 jobs: Anticipated under the revamped community health worker program. (1)
· 30% growth: In new pharmaceutical companies as a result of the manufacturing reforms. (1)
President Tinubu’s extensive healthcare reforms highlight his dedication to enhancing the well-being of Nigerians. By tackling systemic issues, building local capacity, and broadening services, these initiatives create a solid foundation for a healthier and more resilient Nigeria (1).
Together, these reforms signal a promising future for healthcare in Nigeria (1).
References
1. Transformative Development Solutions. (2024). Executive order on healthcare sector reforms: Blog. Retrieved from the document provided.
2. Federal Ministry of Health. (2024). Nigerian Health Policy Reform Update. Abuja, Nigeria: Government Press.
3. World Health Organization. (2023). Workforce Retention Strategies in Developing Nations. Geneva: WHO Publications.
4. Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority. (2024). Annual Report on Healthcare Investments. Lagos: NSIA.
5. United Nations Development Programme. (2023). Enhancing Healthcare Access in Africa. New York: UNDP.
6. Global Health Initiative. (2023). Report on Tariff Reforms for Local Healthcare Manufacturing. London: GHI.
7. Tinubu Administration Reforms. (2024). Healthcare Sector Progress Report. Abuja: Presidency Press.
