Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq

MEDIA BRIEF FG MOVES TO TIGHTEN HEALTH SECTOR COORDINATION AS GOVERNMENT, PARTNERS REINFORCE REFORM COMPACT Abuja, Nigeria | 11 February 2026 — The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with development partners as part of ongoing efforts to accelerate healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes across the country. Speaking at the 2026 Health Development Partners Retreat, the Coordinating Minister, Health and Social Welfare, @muhammadpate , emphasised the need for stronger coordination, transparency, and alignment of development partner investments with national health priorities. He noted that effective collaboration between government and partners remains critical to advancing Nigeria’s health sector reform agenda. Building on this commitment, deliberations at the retreat focused on practical steps to improve coordination across federal, state, and local government levels, strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems, and ensure that development partners deliver on commitments under the Health Sector Compact. Participants highlighted the importance of enhancing visibility of partner investment portfolios and improving communication mechanisms to support accountability and reduce fragmentation in programme implementation. Stakeholders also underscored the need to strengthen existing coordination platforms under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp). In particular, Technical Working Groups and other SWAp governance structures were identified as key mechanisms for improving cross-agency collaboration and ensuring full participation of development partners in driving sector-wide reforms. Development partners reiterated their commitment to improving coordination among themselves through existing platforms such as the Development Partners Group and the SWAp Technical Working Groups. This includes aligning investments, avoiding duplication of efforts, and ensuring that new partner-supported initiatives are implemented in line with the principles of the health sector compact. Participants further highlighted the importance of strengthening engagement between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, heads of health agencies, state commissioners for health, and development partners through regular dialogue platforms to enhance cross-government technical coordination. The retreat also examined the implications of evolving fiscal and financing policies across federal, state, and local government levels for the implementation of key health initiatives. Stakeholders discussed the need for stronger alignment between federal and state governments to sustain ongoing reforms and support the effective operationalisation of priority programmes within the health sector.   Participants identified several opportunities to strengthen coordination and sustain reform momentum. These include improving monitoring systems through functional dashboards such as the Results Monitoring, Evaluation and Tracking (RMET) platform, advancing the establishment of a Technical Assistance Pooled Fund to support greater government ownership of technical priorities, aligning existing and new partner investments to strengthen the health system, and expanding health insurance coverage while leveraging private sector participation to support service delivery. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the Federal Government and development partners to deepen collaboration, strengthen coordination mechanisms, and support Nigeria’s drive toward a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable health system. The Ministry called on development partners, federal and state health institutions, and other sector stakeholders to continue aligning investments, programmes, and technical support with national health priorities under the Sector-Wide Approach, in order to accelerate reform delivery and improve health outcomes for all Nigerians.

HRH Princess Nere Emiko Tereba,38yr old daughter of the late 19th King (Olu) of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II (1987-2015), and sister of the current King (Olu) of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III She is the first and youngest person in Nigeria to process gold domestically.

Yesterday, following rigorous peer review and citizens’ voices engagement during the 2025 November Joint Annual Review (JAR), for the second consecutive year, we formally presented our ‘ONE REPORT’ — the 2025 State of the Health of Nigerians Report (SOHR) — to Mr. President.

Health sector reform continues to move from commitment to execution. At the National Traditional and Religious Leaders’ Summit on Health 2026, @Fmohnigeria, marked a key milestone with the commencement of Cohort II of the National Health Fellows Programme under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). With one Fellow deployed to each local government area, the programme strengthens implementation discipline, coordination, and accountability in delivering measurable health outcomes for Nigerians. @muhammadpate @SalakoIziaq @MuntaqaSadiq #HealthReform #NHSRII  #SWAp #RenewedHope #MinistryOfHealthNG

Today, I had the honour of presenting at Nigeria’s first-ever National Traditional and Religious Leaders’ Summit on Health — a truly historic gathering that signals a new chapter in how we approach health reform in our country. We also launched the Nat. Health Fellows.

Media Brief FG Moves to Lower Cost of Medicines, Signs MoU to Operationalise Medipool as National GPO Abuja,Nigeria | 16 February 2026 The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to operationalise Medipool as the country’s National Group Purchasing Organisation (GPO), in a decisive step toward reducing the cost of medicines, strengthening supply chain efficiency, and expanding access to quality health commodities for Nigerians. Approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2025, Medipool is designed to aggregate demand for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies across public and private health facilities, enabling bulk purchasing, price negotiation, and improved quality assurance across the national health supply chain. The initiative supports key national priorities, including the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), @TheBHCPF , the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), and the National Health Supply Chain Transformation Plan, while advancing Nigeria’s target of increasing local pharmaceutical manufacturing to meet a significant share of domestic demand. Speaking on the significance of the agreement, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare @muhammadpate stated: “The operationalisation of Medipool represents a strategic shift in how Nigeria procures and delivers essential medicines. By pooling demand, strengthening local manufacturing, and improving supply chain transparency, we are lowering costs, expanding access, and building a more resilient health system that protects both the health and finances of Nigerians.” The ceremony brought together leadership across Nigeria’s health reform architecture, including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), @Muyi_Aina , the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), @PVAC_NG and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office, @MuntaqaSadiq , reflecting strong whole-of-government alignment on improving affordability, availability, and sustainability of essential medicines. The operationalisation of Medipool reinforces the Federal Government’s broader health sector reform agenda to build a more resilient, transparent, and cost-efficient healthcare system that delivers better health outcomes and financial protection for all Nigerians.

Alongside other African countries, @MuntaqaSadiq presented and launched the Health Intelligence Center for Africa (HICA) - designed to help governments in Africa move faster from data to decisions, using modern digital tools. hica.africa

🎥 Dr. @MuntaqaSadiq, National Coordinator of @SWApGov, addressed Cohort II of the National Health Fellows @healthfellowsng, highlighting the merit-based & transparent selection process and the vision to build Nigeria’s next generation of health leaders. #NHF2 #WeAreTheStars

UPDATE: From one oncology center in Lagos (below, 2019) & two diagnostics centers in Kano & Umuahia, the NSIA healthcare ecosystem has grown. By end Q2 2026, there will be 4 cancer centers & 15 diagnostics centers, says @nsia_nigeria CEO, as they seal partnership with @IFC_org.

Congratulations, Chief Dr Dr!! @MuntaqaSadiq

Nigeria’s Public Health Excellence Arsenal Just Got Warmer Nigeria celebrates a moment of distinction as Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq @MuntaqaSadiq successfully completes his Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, U. of London, @LSHTM.

Nigeria’s health sector is gaining clarity, coordination and momentum. The 2025 Health Sector Joint Annual Review Media Brief captures the results, the gaps, and the bold next steps shaping our path to UHC. With renewed commitments from federal leadership, states, partners and communities, the mission is shared — and the progress is measurable. #HealthForAll #SWAp #NHSRII #RenewedHopeAgenda #MinistryOfHealthNG @muhammadpate @SalakoIziaq @MuntaqaSadiq

The Joint Annual Health sector wide Review #JAR2025 @SWApGov offers us opportunity to reflect on progress, identify gaps, learn from experience, and enhance our collective accountability for results. The evidence presented gave an encouraging picture. 84% of national health performance indicators under the Presidential Bond have been achieved as of Q3 2025, representing 37 of 41 key targets. 35 states and the FCT have completed their State JARs with citizen participation, all aligned with the #NHSRII Blueprint. All 774 LGAs @AlgonNationalHQ now have National Health Fellows and Public Financial Management Officers in place. Ministerial oversight meetings have been held as scheduled, and 60% of National Council on Health resolutions have been implemented, showing that commitments are being translated into results. Service utilisation and outcomes continue to improve. Visits to facilities supported through the #BHCPF rose from 10 million in Q1 2024 to 37 million in Q1 2025 and 45 million in Q2 2025, reflecting renewed confidence in primary care @NphcdaNG. Maternal deaths have declined by 17% and newborn deaths by 12% across 172 high-burden LGAs targeted through data-driven interventions. Skilled birth attendance now exceeds 90%, antenatal care coverage (#ANC4) remains above 50%, and new family planning acceptors have grown by 10% between Q1 and Q2 2025. Immunisation coverage has also strengthened, with national targets for measles, rubella, and #HPV vaccination achieved. The foundations of the health system are being reinforced. 52% of targeted LGAs now have at least two level-two PHC facilities, and 435 have been revitalised. Over 15,000 community health workers have been recruited, nearly 70,000 frontline workers retrained toward the goal of 120,000 by 2027, and over 20,000 new staff deployed to federal tertiary hospitals. Health insurance coverage @nhia_nigeria has grown from 6–7% two years ago to 12% today, supported by the Mandatory Health Insurance Circular and the Vulnerable Groups Fund. Public confidence in the health system is rising. Surveys from 2023–2025 show nearly half of Nigerians believe government considers their views in decision-making. 55% express confidence in the system’s direction, 67% in emergency response, and 74% report satisfaction with services. Two-thirds still emphasise affordability, a concern being addressed through the Medical Relief Programme and expanded social protection. These gains are being consolidated through the Compact addendum, which reinforces collaboration across federal, state, local, private, and community levels. The localisation agenda continues to advance through domestic resource mobilisation, local manufacturing of medicines, vaccines, and health technologies, and stronger supply chains. Financing is diversifying through fiscal measures, public–private partnerships, and digital transparency tools, while the ward-based approach drives visible improvements at community level. With continued support from @nassnigeria and @NGRSenate, appropriations and releases are translating into measurable progress across the sector. We acknowledge with deep appreciation the sustained collaboration of the economic management and fiscal policy leadership of @NigeriaGov, particularly the @FinMinNigeria, @PlanningNG, colleagues @Fmohnigeria, and the broad coalition of state and local authorities, traditional and religious institutions, development partners, and civil-society actors whose collective efforts continue to strengthen delivery across Nigeria’s health system. Years from now, when the story of this period is written, the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at this defining moment in our national history will stand as one of its most consequential chapters. All Hands, One Mission. Bringing Nigeria’s Health Sector to Light.

@mustyflexy All thanks to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate @muhammadpate , and @MuntaqaSadiq Dr. Muntaqa Umar Sadiq for this Renewed Hope Initiative. It's rewriting futures, one fellow at a time.

In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s @officialABAT charge for transparency, accountability and efficient use of public and partner resources, the Expanded Ministerial Oversight Committee for the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (#NHSRII) met today to review collective progress in strengthening Nigeria’s health system. Together with my colleague, Hon. Minister of State @SalakoIziaq, the Perm Sec @Fmohnigeria, agency heads, State Health Commrs, our partners and civil society, we reflected on the gains made under the NHSRII’s four pillars of governance, efficiency, value-chain optimization and health security. Since its launch in 2023, the Initiative implemented through a Sector-Wide Approach @SWApGov has aligned federal, state and partner investments around one goal: better health for Nigerians. The BHCPF remains its backbone, supporting essential services through @nhia_nigeria, @NphcdaNG, NEMTC and @NCDCgov, alongside programmes like HOPE PHC, MAMII and IMPACT. The results are encouraging. In the first two quarters of 2025, over 80m visits were recorded at primary health facilities, four times more than in 2023. More than 21 million Nigerians are covered under health insurance, over 11,000 pregnant women have received emergency care, 15,000 benefitted from obstetric treatment, and more than 500,000 are enrolled in covered maternal care. Facility data show a 12 percent drop in maternal mortality. Preventive health outcomes have also improved. The integrated measles, rubella, polio and neglected tropical disease campaign targeting 106 million children has exceeded expectations in the northern states with 92% coverage for measles and rubella and strong results for polio and NTD interventions. These gains reflect the determination of governments, partners and frontline health workers to extend essential services to every community. We launched the BHCPF Guideline 2.0, which institutionalizes performance-based financing and accountability and will guide the disbursement of ₦32.9bn to states and facilities before the end of October. Supported facilities will expand from 8,800 to 13,000, with a pathway to 17,000 through the HOPE Programme. Facility allocations have increased from ₦300,750 to between ₦600,000 and ₦800,000 per quarter. Evidence confirms that BHCPF-supported facilities outperform others across all major service indicators including immunization, skilled birth attendance and service utilization. To further safeguard accountability, a JTF with @icpcnigeria has been activated to monitor fund utilization at both facility and community levels, ensuring that public resources directly translate to improved services for Nigerians. Data accuracy and integrity remain central to reform. Instances of overreporting of maternal and child deaths are being addressed through improved verification systems, digital reporting and integration of NINs into health records, enabling the tracking of individual beneficiaries and ensuring that progress remains verifiable and equitable. The NEMSAS continues to grow with over 11,000 emergency patients served in the last quarter, disbursing ₦470m for care and operating in 150 LGAs. Nigerians can dial 112 in 30 states, with nationwide coverage expected by December 2025. To validate the steady improvements being observed, a Mini-Demographic and Health Survey (Mini-DHS) will be conducted in 2026 to provide independent national data on maternal and child health outcomes and inform future planning. Civil society and the media remain vital partners in sustaining transparency and ensuring that community voices continue to shape implementation. Equally, we have issued a Red Letter calling on every Nigerian to protect the health of our nation. Under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu, Nigeria’s health sector is redefining accountable governance, anchored on results, driven by integrity and inclusion, and turning reforms into real improvements in people’s lives.

WORLD BANK, WHO, PRAISE NIGERIA'S SWAp MODEL AS A BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINABLE HEALTH REFORM Nigeria's ongoing health sector reforms have drawn international recognition, with the country's Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) model featured at the 2025 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. The high-level dialogue, themed "Scaling Health Reforms," brought together leaders from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Bank, health ministers, and global health investors to discuss sustainable health financing, local pharmaceutical production, and innovation in primary healthcare delivery. Representing Nigeria, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, highlighted the measurable impact of the SWAp model, which aligns government and donor investments with national priorities. He noted that in the first half of 2025, revitalised primary healthcare facilities financed through the programme recorded over 80 million patient visits - a fourfold increase from the same period in 2023. This, he said, reflects the effectiveness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda in improving access to quality healthcare and advancing economic productivity. #RenewedHope

World Bank, WHO Praise Nigeria's SWAp Model as a Blueprint for Sustainable Health Reform.

Nigeria’s Health Reforms Gain Global Recognition as SWAp Model Showcases Results at World Bank–IMF Meetings Abuja, Nigeria | Oct 18, 2025 Nigeria’s health sector reforms received global recognition this week as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare,@muhammadpate , joined global health leaders at a high-level sideline event during the 2025 World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings in Washington D.C., themed “Scaling Health Reforms.” The event brought together the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), the President of the World Bank, Health Ministers from across the world, and heads of leading pharmaceutical companies, to strengthen collaboration on sustainable health systems financing, advance discussions on local pharmaceutical production, and explore innovative partnerships for primary healthcare delivery. Speaking at the session, Minister Pate highlighted the tangible progress Nigeria is making through its Sector-Wide Approach @SWApGov , a model that aligns government and donor investments around national health priorities. “In the first half of 2025 alone, Nigeria recorded over 80 million visits to revitalised primary healthcare facilities financed through the SWAp programme - a fourfold increase from the same period in 2023,” the Minister revealed.   “These are verifiable outcomes that show our reforms are working. Through local manufacturing partnerships, we are creating jobs, adding economic value, and building a sustainable base for health service delivery. By 2030, we aim to domestically produce a larger share of our essential health commodities,” he added. Prof. Pate further explained that Nigeria’s multi-donor trust fund and strengthened partnerships with key financiers have helped align national and international investments toward a unified goal improving access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians. “For the first time, development assistance is aligning with what Nigeria wants to achieve, not the other way around,” he emphasised. “This is how reform translates from policy to real impact — from boardrooms to the people.” The Minister noted that these efforts reflect the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration, @officialABAT , which places health as an essential pillar of national development, recognising that a healthy population is vital to productivity, social stability, and inclusive growth. In response, the Director-General - WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, commended Nigeria’s leadership and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the country’s health transformation agenda. “Our role, along with the World Bank, Gavi, and other partners, is to continue to support your principles and advocate for your progress,” Dr Tedros said. Nigeria’s participation in this global dialogue underscores the country’s renewed credibility and strategic leadership in shaping the future of health systems across Africa. The discussions pave the way for enhanced technical collaboration, expanded financing for primary healthcare, and stronger alignment toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). About the SWAp Approach The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) harmonises domestic and external health investments, ensuring accountability, improved governance, and measurable impact across all levels of care. @MuntaqaSadiq

Today at the Prose Warehouse, Idu Industrial Area, Abuja, I was honoured to flag off the distribution of medical equipment and essential drugs to states across Nigeria. This is more than an event; it is a promise kept under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT, as we continue to revitalise primary health care (PHC) within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Two years ago, Nigeria set ambitious targets, under the NHSRII, to reposition PHC as the foundation of our health system. That commitment is now taking shape. Through this intervention, all 36 states and the FCT will receive medical equipment and essential medicines, bringing care closer to our people. For too long, PHCs were under-resourced, forcing mothers to travel long distances for delivery, children to miss vaccinations, and communities to lose confidence. That is changing. A woman in a rural community should not fear childbirth, children must access lifesaving vaccines, families must receive malaria treatment, and adults must find care for hypertension and other common illnesses close to home. PHC revitalisation goes beyond infrastructure. In the past year, 1,295 PHCs have been refurbished and 38 solar-powered to ensure reliability. We are equipping 500 priority facilities with a full complement of 56 types of essential equipment, including autoclaves, delivery beds, ultrasound machines and incubators, funded through over ₦9 billion in federal appropriations and donor support. Alongside this, 80 categories of essential medicines, such as antimicrobials, antimalarials, antihypertensives, uterotonics, insulin and family planning commodities, are being distributed to every local government in Nigeria, representing an investment of more than ₦14 billion. These measures are transforming PHCs from under-utilised buildings into functional centres of care. We are equally investing in the workforce that sustains these centres. 69,106 frontline health workers have been trained, with 60,000 provided uniforms and kits in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady @SenRemiTinubu. States are also recruiting new staff. Kaduna has added 216 skilled birth attendants and 969 community health workers; Yobe has added 164 and 258 respectively, while other states are advancing recruitment. The MAMII Initiative has enrolled over 411,000 pregnant women across 21 states, with 30,000 receiving antenatal care, 9,000 transport vouchers, and 14,000 emergency obstetric interventions, including more than 4,500 life-saving caesarean sections. Nigerians are beginning to feel reform where it matters most, at the frontlines. This progress reflects the sector-wide approach @SWApGov in action, with @NPHCDA, the @nhia_nigeria, regulators, tertiary institutions and state governments working in alignment with the Federal Government under the Compact signed with Mr President. It also demonstrates the leadership of Dr Muyi Aina @Muyi_Aina, whose team has delivered this milestone with commitment and precision. We acknowledge the vital support of our partners, including @gavi; the @GlobalFund; @UNICEF; @UNFPA; the @gatesfoundation; and other philanthropic contributors, alongside private sector partners providing warehousing and logistics. Their contributions are reinforcing what is fundamentally a nationally-owned effort. Accountability remains paramount. Every item distributed is being tracked electronically, with oversight by the @icpcnigeria and relevant agencies to ensure resources reach intended beneficiaries. Our journey is underway, but much remains to be done. As we flag off this distribution, preparations are already advancing for the Measles Rubella campaign in October, which will reach more than 100 million children under 14 with vaccines and integrated interventions for nutrition and malaria. These efforts are clear evidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real and that Nigeria’s health system is regaining the trust of its people.

Today I had the honour of flagging off the distribution of essential Maternal and Newborn Health commodities to 10 States. Over 80 percent of this first batch is headed to the North West and North East zones. I thank @officialABAT and @muhammadpate for their vision and commitment to the health of our mothers and babies. @UNICEF_Nigeria @gavi @gatesfoundation @NGFSecretariat @SWApGov @Fmohnigeria @NphcdaNG @nhia_nigeria #leadership #collaboration #legacy #maternalhealth #newbornhealth #nphcda #renewedhopeinitiative