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- Strengthening Public–Private Collaboration for Nigeria’s Health Sector Transformation
The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has commended the Federal Government for formally including the private health sector in the updated Health Sector Renewal (UHC) Compact, signed at the opening of the 2025 Joint Annual Review (JAR2025) of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The addendum to the UHC Compact, originally signed by all 36 state governors in December 2023, expands its signatories to include representatives of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), traditional and religious institutions, and the private sector, represented by HFN. The Compact reinforces national alignment and shared accountability towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Themed “All Hands. One Mission: Bringing Nigeria’s Health Sector to Light,” JAR2025 underscored the importance of inclusive collaboration and shared responsibility in accelerating Nigeria’s journey toward UHC. The event was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Honorable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziq Adekunle Salako; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; and the Honorable Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
Also in attendance were His Royal Highness, Dr. Haliru Yahaya, Emir of Shonga; Senior Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas; National Coordinator, SWAp Coordinating Office, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq; as well as several state commissioners for health, development partners, civil society organizations, academia, and private sector representatives, all coming together to evaluate progress, assess performance, and outline strategic next steps under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII).
Delivering the keynote address, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to institutionalizing transparency, accountability, and evidence-based reforms across the health system. He stressed that achieving meaningful health transformation in Nigeria requires an inclusive, multi-sectoral approach that brings together public, private, and civil society actors.
“We still have much to do in meeting our commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG3,” Prof. Pate said. “The 20th annual review is not just a routine exercise; it is a moment to renew our social compact, re-energize our strategies, and reposition ourselves to do more.” He noted that the inclusion of the private sector as a full partner in the UHC Compact is central to this mission, signaling a deliberate effort to foster collaboration across all levels of the health system.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of accountability, transparency, and evidence-driven reforms, adding that these principles must guide every intervention to ensure that health services reach every Nigerian. According to Prof. Pate, deliberate collaboration across sectors is not optional but essential for achieving a sustainable and equitable health system.
Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, highlighted the critical role of innovative financing and strategic partnerships in achieving Universal Health Coverage. He noted that health sector reform requires more than traditional budget allocations and called for value-based collaborations that leverage both public and private sector strengths.
“Our administration remains committed to ensuring that fiscal policies are fully aligned with the objectives of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative,” Minister Edun said. He emphasized that achieving measurable impact in healthcare delivery depends on creative funding mechanisms and strategic investments that go beyond conventional approaches.
The Minister further explained that by harnessing public and private resources together, Nigeria can improve efficiency, unlock additional funding, and create a health system capable of delivering tangible benefits to every citizen. He concluded that such collaboration is key to building a sustainable, resilient, and equitable healthcare system nationwide.
HFN President Njide Ndili, whose goodwill message was delivered by Dr. Benson Ayodele Cole, First Vice President, expressed appreciation for the government’s intentional engagement of the private sector. She emphasized that this deliberate collaboration has sent a clear signal that private actors are not an afterthought, but an integral part of addressing Nigeria’s health challenges.
“HFN is honoured to be a signatory to the updated UHC Compact,” she said. “This recognition affirms the critical role of the private sector in delivering healthcare services across Nigeria. We take this responsibility seriously and are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in our collective pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.”
Njide stated that HFN’s participation enables the private sector to actively contribute to national health priorities, from improving access and quality of care to strengthening regulatory and financing frameworks. “The private sector delivers a significant portion of healthcare services in Nigeria. With clearer roles, stronger regulation, and sustainable financing, we can harness private capacity to accelerate UHC and strengthen the entire health ecosystem.”
Representing the National Assembly, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to enacting and supporting laws that underpin accountability and equitable healthcare delivery.
“The legislature remains committed to ensuring that every health reform initiative is backed by the necessary legal frameworks. By supporting policies that promote transparency, collaboration, and accountability, we can ensure that resources are used effectively and that citizens across Nigeria have access to quality healthcare. The inclusion of the private sector in the UHC Compact is a step forward in making healthcare delivery more coordinated and impactful,” Senator Banigo stated.
JAR2025 reaffirmed the need for all stakeholders to work together to strengthen Nigeria’s health system. HFN’s participation as a signatory to the updated UHC Compact underscores the Federation’s commitment to public–private collaboration, innovative financing, and the delivery of quality health services across the nation.
The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) is a coalition of private healthcare sector stakeholders dedicated to supporting the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through private-sector engagement and activation. Through advocacy, partnerships, and innovation, HFN works to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors and promote sustainable growth across Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem.
