The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has commended the federal government’s inclusion of private health players in the recently updated framework of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The Health Sector Renewal framework was signed at the opening of the 2025 Joint Annual Review (JAR2025) of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) in 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 framework reinforces national alignment and shared accountability towards achieving 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.
Delivering a keynote address, Muhammad Ali Pate, coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, reiterated the government’s commitment to institutionalising 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,” Pate said. “The 20th annual review is not just a routine exercise; it is a moment to renew our social compact, re-energise 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, signalling a deliberate effort to foster collaboration across all levels of the health system.
He also emphasised 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 Pate, deliberate collaboration across sectors is not optional but essential for achieving a sustainable and equitable health system.
Corroborating Pate, Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, highlighted the critical role of innovative financing and strategic partnerships in achieving UHC.
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 emphasised that achieving measurable impact in healthcare delivery depends on creative funding mechanisms and strategic investments that go beyond conventional approaches.
Edun 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.
Njide Ndili, HFN President, who was represented by Benson Cole, first vice president, commended the government’s intentional engagement of the private sector. She emphasised 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, 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.
