Nigeria Achieves All 41 Health Targets Under President Tinubu's Administration

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that it has successfully achieved all 41 performance targets set for the health sector under President Bola Tinubu's administration. This achievement was revealed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, during the third Nigeria Health Sector Joint Annual Review in Abuja. According to Professor Pate, the government has revitalized thousands of primary healthcare centres across the country.

A total of 3,526 primary healthcare facilities have been revamped nationwide, with work ongoing on another 900 primary care centres. Additionally, 19,758 skilled birth attendants have been recruited across 22 states, and 78,054 frontline health workers have received training. The government has also expanded health insurance coverage from approximately 16 million to nearly 24 million Nigerians. These efforts aim to improve healthcare services and outcomes in the country.

Professor Pate provided several clinical and financial updates, highlighting the progress made in the health sector. Cumulative releases under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund reached N422.3bn by October 2026. Skilled deliveries at supported facilities increased from 4.8 million in 2023 to 7.9 million by the second quarter of 2026. Antenatal visits also rose from six million to 8.7 million during the same period.

The government has implemented various initiatives to improve maternal and child health outcomes. A free emergency obstetric care programme delivered nearly 100,000 services over two years, including 80,906 caesarean sections and 6,059 vesicovaginal fistula repairs. Furthermore, maternal case fatality in areas covered by the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative fell by about 60 per cent between 2024 and 2026.

Despite these achievements, challenges persist in the health sector. Professor Pate noted that stunting had worsened slightly, and patient satisfaction with healthcare services dropped from 76 per cent in 2024 to 71 per cent in 2026. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, outlined targets to achieve at least 90 per cent functional primary healthcare centres by 2031 and 40 per cent health insurance coverage.

The ministry's permanent secretary, Daju Kachollum, highlighted ongoing challenges, including persistent workforce shortages, poor maternal and child health indicators, and slow emergency responses. She disclosed that only 22 per cent of public health events met the seven-day early response target. These challenges underscore the need for continued efforts to strengthen the health sector.

The three-day review, held from November 10 to 12, forms part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative launched in December 2023. This initiative aims to revitalize the health sector and improve healthcare outcomes in Nigeria. The government will continue to work towards sustaining and building on the progress made so far.

Key points

• The Nigerian government has achieved all 41 health targets set under President Bola Tinubu's administration.
• A total of 3,526 primary healthcare facilities have been revamped nationwide.
• The government has expanded health insurance coverage from approximately 16 million to nearly 24 million Nigerians.