Nigeria has plans to strengthen and sustain investment in its health sector to drive economic growth and development.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, told policymakers, development partners, health financing experts, civil society, private sector representatives, and academics that increased health spending is vital for building a stronger economy.
He explained that a healthy population supports national prosperity and warned that years of low investment had forced families to bear heavy medical costs and slowed the country’s progress.
“No nation can achieve lasting prosperity without a healthy population,” he said.
Pate made these remarks on Monday.
He delivered his message at the National Health Financing Dialogue in Abuja.
He urged federal and state governments to commit more funds, called for private sector participation, and highlighted the need for better accountability.
“As our economy grows and government revenue increases, we must allocate more to health,” he added.
According to him, the four-day dialogue aims to shape policy reforms, develop new financing strategies, and align efforts to improve health funding across the country.