The Enugu State Government has commenced the development of Annual Operational Plans (AOPs) designed to guide its 2026 health sector budget. This move is aligned with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), a national framework aimed at revitalising the country’s healthcare system through enhanced infrastructure, increased insurance coverage, and coordinated planning.
The initiative was highlighted during a four-day capacity-building workshop in Enugu, focused on NHSRII leadership and health systems strengthening for health managers. The event, themed “Towards Rational, Realistic, Pragmatic and Comprehensive Planning for the Health Budget of Enugu State,” brought together senior programme managers, agency officials, and key health stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, emphasised the importance of adopting the State-Wide Approach (SWAp) to unify planning and monitoring processes across all health sector players. “The SWAp reform enables a single coordinated framework for health sector planning, monitoring, and evaluation,” he said. “This workshop marks the beginning of capacity development for master trainers who will drive the formulation of a comprehensive AOP for the state’s 2026 health budget.”
SWAp, led nationally by the Federal Ministry of Health, is part of a sector-wide reform strategy to integrate activities of development partners and government agencies, reducing duplication and inefficiencies.
Reinforcing this message, Mrs. Francisca Ewoh, the SWAp Desk Officer for Enugu State, noted that the programme is designed to move beyond the fragmented project-based approach of the past. “SWAp ensures that states prioritise activities based on evidence and shared objectives, rather than isolated donor-led agendas,” she said.
Mrs. Ann Oguejioffor, Head of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Enugu State Ministry of Health, stated that the operational plans will enable the state to harmonise development partner interventions with government-led initiatives. “The AOPs will ensure that partner contributions complement, rather than duplicate, the efforts of the state government,” she added.
By implementing a unified and evidence-based planning structure, Enugu State aims to strengthen its healthcare delivery, promote efficient use of resources, and foster better health outcomes for its population.
