The Nigerian Federal Government has unveiled a commitment to extend health coverage to over 50 million citizens, specifically targeting vulnerable and elderly individuals, by the year 2027.
Salma Anas-Ibrahim, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, shared this announcement during the National Healthy Ageing Summit held in Abuja. The summit, themed “Decade of Healthy Ageing in Nigeria: Situation, Challenges, and Transformative Pathway,” emphasized the government’s intention to ensure universal health coverage for all.
Anas-Ibrahim affirmed that the universal health coverage initiative of the Federal Government would be all-encompassing. She stated, “This is a pivotal phase in Nigeria’s history. As a special adviser to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, I want to emphasize that we are at a crucial juncture as we transition to a new administration marked by renewed hope, especially in the health sector.”
She further emphasized, “The President is unwavering in his determination to achieve and actualize our universal healthcare coverage, which encompasses the well-being of the elderly populace. Not a single person will be neglected – neither the elderly nor any other individuals. President Bola Tinubu’s health agenda, brimming with renewed hope, is committed to extending coverage to more than 50 million Nigerians, with a significant focus on the vulnerable, including the elderly, over the next four years, with divine grace.”
Dr. Emem Omokaro, the Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, highlighted the necessity of prioritizing healthcare for senior citizens. He pointed out that while Nigeria’s demographic structure is predominantly young, the number of older persons is on the rise and requires special attention.
Dr. Walter Mulombo, the Country Representative of the World Health Organization, echoed the sentiment of ensuring inclusivity in healthcare by emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among key stakeholders to realize this aspiration.
