FG Reaffirms Citizen-Centred Health Agenda As 66th National Council On Health Opens In Calabar
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to rebuild public trust in its health system, the Federal Government has restated its commitment to putting citizens at the heart of all health policies and reforms.
This renewed assurance came on Monday as the Technical Session of the 66th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Health (NCH) commenced in Calabar, Cross River State.
Declaring the session open, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, said this year’s theme, “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience and Innovation”, captures the government’s resolve to deepen citizen participation and accelerate the country’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Kachollom described the Technical Session as the “engine room” of the Council, where evidence is assessed, ideas are refined and recommendations are shaped for national decision-making.
She noted that ongoing federal reforms, including primary healthcare strengthening, supply chain optimisation, digital health expansion, and the newly approved Health Workforce Migration Policy, are designed to make the system more equitable, resilient and responsive to Nigerians’ needs.
“We are determined to build a health system that is inclusive, efficient, and centred on the Nigerian citizen,” she said, urging participants to make practical and cost-effective recommendations aligned with the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint 2023–2027.
In his welcome remarks, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, said hosting the 66th NCH presents an opportunity to push the country closer to achieving UHC.
He stressed that equitable access to quality healthcare remains central to national development and that the outcomes of the Council’s deliberations will shape Nigeria’s health reforms into 2026 and beyond.
Participants at the meeting include Commissioners for Health and Permanent Secretaries from the 36 states and the FCT, federal directors, agencies and development partners.
Technical reviews and memo considerations will continue as the NCH works to strengthen the nation’s health system.
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