The Federal Government has unveiled the 2025 National Health Facility Survey, reaffirming its commitment to implementing data-driven reforms aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the country.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this known during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed health at the centre of national development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that policies and interventions are increasingly guided by credible data and scientific evidence.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” Salako described it as a call for stronger collaboration among governments, scientists, and health professionals to ensure that decision-making in the health sector is evidence-based.
“From vaccines that prevent deadly diseases to innovations in diagnostics and digital health systems, science remains the foundation of public health progress,” he said.
The minister noted that the government has embraced the One Health approach, which recognises the link between human, animal, and environmental health, adding that efforts are ongoing to strengthen collaboration across relevant sectors to tackle emerging health threats.
Highlighting progress in the sector, Salako said primary healthcare utilisation has significantly increased, rising from about 10 million visits in early 2024 to 45 million by mid-2025, an indication of renewed public confidence.
He also disclosed that over 14 million girls aged 9 to 14 have received the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, while more than 102 million children have been reached with the measles-rubella vaccine.
On maternal health, the minister said targeted interventions under the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) have led to a 17 per cent reduction in maternal deaths in supported facilities.
Salako further revealed that over 21.7 million Nigerians are now enrolled in health insurance schemes, representing a 33 per cent increase since late 2023, as the government continues to expand financial protection through initiatives such as the Vulnerable Group Fund.
He reaffirmed the government’s vision of ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare services without suffering financial hardship.
“Healthcare should not depend on a person’s ability to pay, but be accessible to all as a fundamental right,” he said.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, said the event underscores the importance of building resilient health systems capable of addressing current and emerging challenges.
She noted that ongoing reforms have strengthened primary healthcare, expanded insurance coverage, and enhanced digital health initiatives across the country.
In his goodwill message, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Director, Dr. Pavel Ursu, commended Nigeria’s progress in improving maternal and child survival, as well as strengthening disease surveillance and emergency response systems.
He, however, warned that inequities and declining trust in science could slow progress, calling for sustained collaboration across sectors.
Also speaking, a representative of development partners from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Oluwatosin Kolade, emphasised the need for stakeholders to remain committed to science and evidence-based decision-making in addressing complex health challenges.
Meanwhile, Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, represented by Mr. David Babalola, said findings from the 2025 National Health Facility Survey show that about 70 per cent of public health facilities provide child delivery services, with antenatal services widely accessible.
The event brought together key stakeholders, development partners, and health professionals to review progress and reaffirm commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
