By Reportcircle, Abuja
In a moment that felt both historic and urgent, the Federal Government on Friday launched a sweeping set of strategic health tools designed to force a long-awaited transformation of Nigeria’s primary healthcare system signalling what officials described as a shift “from promises to performance.”
The unveiling, which marked the climax of the 2025 Joint Annual Review (JAR) Conference at the Transcorp Hilton on Friday, Abuja, brought together federal policymakers, development partners, civil society leaders, global health institutions and state representatives for three days of intense scrutiny of Nigeria’s health gains and gaps.
But it was the final session when the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, took the podium that delivered the strongest closing jolt.
“These products reflect our commitment to transparency, data-driven accountability, and achieving results that truly matter for our people,” Pate declared as he launched the new frameworks.
“They respond directly to some of our highest priorities.”
Tools Built for Today’s Crises
The new package includes codified strategies addressing maternal and newborn mortality already recording early signs of improvement as well as immunisation equity, primary healthcare revitalisation, zero-dose reduction, health security, preparedness, and climate-related health vulnerabilities.
Central to the reforms is a redesigned data and digital system meant to standardise practice, sharpen operational clarity and hold institutions to measurable targets.
“The tools provide evidence and mechanisms for accountability. Without codifying these changes, maintaining standards becomes difficult,” Pate said.
He praised the Sector-Wide Coordination Office led by Dr. Munchaka Umar Sadiq and lauded development partners for “joining hands to make this possible.”
Climate and Health Spotlight
Pate singled out the Permanent Secretary for personally championing climate-and-health adaptation a rising global concern and for earning recognition in international journals including The Lancet.
“Soon you’ll be an expert on climate and health,” he quipped, underscoring the ministry’s push to mainstream climate resilience into national health planning.
Calling on State Governments to adopt the tools immediately, Pate issued a clear directive:
“Display them electronically on your websites. Ensure your technical experts use them as guides for action.”
And in a demonstration of leadership rarely seen in government circles, he accepted full responsibility for any shortcomings in the documents.
“For all that is good, you can take the credit. But if there are gaps or errors, I take responsibility,” he said, drawing applause from participants.
Reviewing the three-day conference, Pate said the JAR process offered candid reflection one that revealed progress but also exposed deep, structural challenges.
“We’ve made progress, but we also have challenges. Today, we begin shifting from review to laying the foundations for action going forward.”
The tools will now guide deliberations at the upcoming National Council on Health.
As the formalities ended, the atmosphere warmed. The minister was escorted to the symbolic “Golden Table,” joined by the Permanent Secretary, Africa CDC, the Global Fund, WHO, Gates Foundation, UNFPA, JICA, CCM, private-sector leaders, commissioners of health, and traditional rulers including the Emir of Shunga, fondly introduced as “our father in the house.”
Photographers surged forward, calling for “more copies yes, yes, yes,” as dignitaries gathered on centre stage for a set of group photographs that captured both the diversity and the shared resolve of Nigeria’s health leadership.
What began as a conference ended as a declaration. The tools are now launched.
The promises are on record. And as the crowd dispersed, one truth echoed through the hall: The health sector and the nation now awaits action.
