Group canvasses overhaul of Nigeria’s healthcare sector

By Lukman Olabiyi

As Nigeria’s healthcare system faces increasing challenges, there is a growing call for substantial reform.

The urgency was highlighted after the suspension of foreign aid to some nations, including Nigeria, by United States President, Donald Trump. In response, the Equity International Initiative has urged the Nigerian government to take decisive actions to transform its healthcare sector.

The call for change took centre stage during the organisation’s 2024 Annual Report event in Lagos, where experts and activists gathered to reflect on the past year.

Prominent lawyer Mobisola Odimegwu expressed concern over the widespread practice of health tourism, where Nigerian officials seek medical treatment abroad at taxpayers’ expense. “It’s disheartening to see public funds being used to cater to the health needs of public officers who should be leading by example,” she said, underscoring the need for a radical shift in how health resources are allocated.

The NGO’s message was clear: the Nigerian government must significantly increase healthcare funding and ensure that resources are managed effectively.

Odimegwu emphasised that implementing punitive measures for those who misuse public funds could help ensure accountability. “If the system is to improve, those who misappropriate resources must face consequences,” she asserted.

The state of Nigeria’s health infrastructure has long been a topic of debate, and the country’s growing dependence on foreign aid for health programme has exposed cracks in the system. This reliance has raised concerns about the sustainability and effectiveness of health delivery in the country.

Chris Iyama, the counatry Director of the Equity International Initiative, while reflecting on the organisation’s achievements and how they are setting the stage for a brighter future, said despite challenges facing the country, there remains hope for change.

According to him, one of the initiative’s most notable efforts in 2024 was its focus on empowering young people through policy advocacy. By creating the Advocacy Hub, the organisation equipped young Nigerians with research tools and policy development training to enable them to become change agents in their communities.

Iyama emphasised that youth engagement is crucial for securing the country’s future. Additionally, he said the organisation played a key role in efforts to amend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

“Equity International gathered 220 stakeholders from civil society, academia, media, and government for a national discussion, producing a 21-page memorandum that now influences ongoing constitutional reform conversations,”he said.

Beyond political reform, the Iyama said the NGO also tackled pressing health issues through its series of high-profile campaigns, which successfully halted the Nigerian government’s proposed plan to vaccinate students against Monkeypox in schools.

The organisation also partnered with the Centre for Food Security and Agricultural Research (CEFSAR) to push back against the legalization of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the country, a campaign that led to public hearings in the National Assembly.

He further disclosed that Equity International’s advocacy efforts also extended to security concerns in conflict zones, noting that their January press conference addressing the deadly violence in Plateau State spurred both federal and state governments to deploy security forces, restoring peace and allowing farmers to return to their land.

He added that the organisation’s commitment to democracy was evident through its election monitoring efforts.

“During local government elections in Plateau State, Equity International deployed 111 trained observers across 17 local governments, ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process,” he stated.

Iyama disclosed that in 2024, Equity International introduced the Youth Governance and Policy Dialogue, a platform for young leaders to engage in discussions about governance and policy. He affirmed that the initiative produced a policy brief that has been instrumental in national and local advocacy efforts.

According to him, one of the most promising new initiatives was the One Youth One Skill fellowship, which aims to foster technological innovation in Africa by training young people in the skills needed to succeed in the tech industry and contribute to the continent’s digital growth.

“Our work in 2024 has laid a strong foundation for what is to come. We are deeply committed to promoting good governance, defending religious freedom, and empowering citizens, especially youth to be the driving force behind an Africa full of opportunities,” he said.

He held that through their advocacy, healthcare initiatives, governance reforms, and technological programme, Equity International has made a significant impact, adding that the organisation has directly reached thousands, and its efforts have touched millions more through its extensive online presence.

“Our unwavering dedication to creating tangible change offers hope for a brighter future in Nigeria and across Africa”, he said.

Though the road to reform is challenging, organizations like Equity International remind us that change is possible when the government, citizens, and young people work together to shape a better tomorrow. Their work is proof that the power to create positive change lies in the hands of those determined to pursue it.