The Nigerian healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, warns the Health Federation of Nigeria (HFN), emphasizing the critical role of the private sector in its survival. With foreign aid dwindling and public hospitals strained, the HFN calls for a strategic shift in government policy.
In a recent press conference, HFN President Njide Ndili urged the government to move beyond empty promises and formally integrate private healthcare providers as essential partners. She highlighted the private sector's growing contribution to Nigeria's healthcare, noting that it currently delivers or facilitates almost 70% of the nation's healthcare services. Despite this significant role, Ndili criticized the government's treatment of the private sector as an afterthought.
The HFN's advocacy efforts have yielded tangible results, including a landmark agreement with the Presidential Initiative on Healthcare. This agreement covers local manufacturing, capacity building, investment attraction, and technology transfer, marking a significant step forward in collaboration between the private sector and the government.
Another breakthrough is the inclusion of private healthcare providers in the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Compact, signed by all 36 state governors. This development is a first in Nigeria's history, recognizing the private sector's legitimacy within the healthcare framework.
The HFN's 4th Annual Conference, scheduled for March 4-5, 2026, will focus on policy dialogues, investor sessions, innovation showcases, and the release of the 2026 Healthcare Outlook in partnership with the National Economic Summit Group. HFN Executive Secretary Olufemi Akingbade emphasized the need for collaboration to address the healthcare crisis, stating that without it, the situation will only worsen.
The conference aims to foster accountability and genuine engagement between policymakers and healthcare providers. Chair of the Conference Planning Committee and CEO of Infinity Health, Irene Nwaukwa, stressed that relying on isolated centers of excellence is insufficient to resolve Nigeria's healthcare crisis. She advocated for a collective approach, where the quality of care closest to the patient is prioritized over the best hospital in the city.
Akingbade further highlighted the challenge of limited financing for the private sector, which is crucial for scaling healthcare services. He noted that over 400 private sector organizations struggle to access financing, posing a significant threat to healthcare delivery. The stakeholders also celebrated progress in health insurance enrollment, which has increased from five million to nearly 20 million Nigerians, but warned that millions remain uncovered.
Adekoya Abimbola Julius, Chairman of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors, emphasized the importance of unity and structured collaboration among healthcare providers. He argued that access to financing should be a collective effort, driven by a unified organization rather than individual initiatives. Julius called for a shift from mere discussions about funding to concrete actions, such as presenting clear projects and speaking with a unified voice to regulators, banks, and investors.
In summary, the HFN's warnings and advocacy efforts underscore the urgency of integrating the private sector into Nigeria's healthcare system. By fostering collaboration, accountability, and a unified approach, the country can work towards a more sustainable and effective healthcare system.
