The Federal Government has stressed the critical need for intensified collaboration across all levels of government to guarantee that newly granted financial autonomy to local governments translates into tangible improvements in primary healthcare (PHC) services for all Nigerians.
This call to action was issued by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, during a National Stakeholder Engagement on Accelerating Improvement in Primary Health Care in Nigeria held on Thursday in Abuja. The event, organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), was monitored virtually.
Professor Pate emphasized that while the move toward local government financial autonomy represents a significant stride, its success hinges on seamless coordination between federal, state, and local authorities to ensure effective healthcare service delivery.
“The health system is structured to function through intergovernmental cooperation, and this approach must be strengthened,” he stated.
He noted that extensive discussions regarding the implications of financial autonomy for PHCs have been underway for several months, incorporating valuable input from civil society organizations, local government representatives, and officials at both the federal and state levels.
Addressing potential challenges, Professor Pate cautioned that persistent funding constraints continue to pose a significant obstacle to progress within Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“If we fail to align policies with community needs while ensuring national and state priorities are met, we risk eroding healthcare standards and creating inefficiencies,” he warned.
He further highlighted the current limitations, stating, “With healthcare spending currently below 14 dollars per capita and local government contributions estimated at just three to four dollars per capita, financial autonomy alone will not solve our challenges.”
The Minister proposed a solution centered on “strategic resource allocation, where local governments optimize what they have, states provide additional support, and the Federal Government continues to offer technical and policy guidance.”
He underscored the importance of leveraging the existing legal framework provided by Nigeria’s 2014 National Health Act, which outlines the collaborative roles of federal, state, and local governments. Professor Pate urged stakeholders to utilize this law to prevent fragmented efforts and administrative bottlenecks that could impede service delivery.
Furthermore, he cautioned against an overemphasis on bureaucratic processes that could detract from achieving actual improvements in healthcare outcomes.
He emphasized that PHCs must prioritize essential services, including maternal and child health, immunisation, sexual and reproductive health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and mental health services.
“We must not get caught up in meetings and bureaucratic processes at the expense of real healthcare needs,” he stated. “Our focus must remain on delivering quality healthcare that benefits Nigerians.”
Professor Pate concluded by appealing to governors, local government leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners to unite in ensuring that financial autonomy leads to heightened efficiency, greater accountability, and improved health outcomes for the nation. “This engagement is not just about policies; it is about people’s lives,” he affirmed.
The event culminated in a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to collaborate in strengthening Nigeria’s PHC system and to ensure that local government autonomy translates into meaningful and sustainable improvements in the health and well-being of Nigerian citizens.
