Nigeria has taken another major step toward strengthening people-centred health reforms with the opening of the Technical Session of the 66th National Council on Health (NCH) in Calabar, Cross River State.
At the inauguration of the session on Monday, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, mni, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that citizens’ needs and rights remain the foundation of national health policy.
She said the theme of the 2025 NCH — “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience and Innovation” — captures Nigeria’s renewed focus on placing individuals and communities at the heart of healthcare planning and delivery.
Describing the Technical Session as the “brain trust” of the Council, Kachollom explained that it is where detailed analysis, expert deliberations, and evidence-based recommendations are developed before being presented to the full Council.
The Permanent Secretary also outlined several reform initiatives currently being pursued by the Federal Government, including efforts to revitalise primary healthcare, optimise supply chain systems, expand digital health infrastructure, and strengthen the health workforce. She noted that the recently approved Health Workforce Migration Policy is one of the key strategies designed to stabilise Nigeria’s health labour market and improve service delivery.
“These reforms are part of our resolve to build a health system that Nigerians can trust — one that is fair, resilient, and accessible to everyone,” she said. “The work before this Council must reflect the realities of our people and support the goals of the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint 2023–2027″.
Kachollom commended the Cross River State Government for hosting the meeting and recognised the contributions of state health commissioners, permanent secretaries, federal departments, partners, and other stakeholders who continue to collaborate toward national health improvement.
Welcoming participants, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, said the 66th NCH represents a crucial moment for Nigeria to push more aggressively toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He highlighted the need to close inequality gaps so that every Nigerian — regardless of social status — can access essential health services.
“At this 66th NCH, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to build a system where every Nigerian has a fair chance at good health”, Ayuk remarked.
The Council brings together health commissioners and senior officials from all 36 states and the FCT, alongside federal agencies and development partners. Deliberations will continue with the review of technical reports and policy proposals that will guide Nigeria’s health reforms in 2026 and the years ahead.