06/09/2025
After four days of powerful dialogue, reflection, and commitment, the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue has come to a close but the energy in the room signals only the beginning of what lies ahead.
From the very start, it was clear this gathering was more than another meeting. Leaders from across government, civil society, academia, the private sector, and development partners converged to reimagine how Nigeria can sustainably finance health. The conversations were candid, the ideas bold, and the urgency unmistakable.
A defining moment came with the directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, mandating all MDAs to implement health insurance with strict compliance monitoring. This landmark decision marks a turning point in Nigeria’s effort to reduce out-of-pocket spending and protect more citizens from the financial burden of healthcare
Throughout the dialogue, leaders reminded us why this shift matters. The Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, urged participants to “move beyond dialogue into decisive action.” Minister Atiku Bagudu described health not just as a service, but as “an investment in knowledge, in systems, and in people.” Governor Charles Soludo challenged us to “spend smarter,” while Finance Minister Wale Edun stressed that preplanned and prepaid healthcare must become the new standard.
Partners from the African Union, WHO Africa, Global Fund, and the Gates Foundation echoed these calls, praising Nigeria’s leadership while underscoring that sustainable health systems require innovation, accountability, and collaboration. As Mrs. Amma Twum-Amoah of the AU noted, this is not only about policy but about protecting lives, building resilience, and investing in human capital for generations to come.
Walking away from this dialogue, one thing is undeniable: Nigeria is moving with clarity and determination. We now have a roadmap to expand health insurance, strengthen primary care, mobilise domestic resources, and ensure smarter, more transparent spending that delivers real impact.
The challenge now is to carry this momentum forward. Political will, strategic investment, and collective action will determine whether these conversations translate
