By Mercy Gadia
The Federal Government on Thursday launched a suite of flagship development programmes aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s economic recovery, reducing poverty, and strengthening human capital and primary healthcare delivery nationwide.
The programmes, unveiled at the State House in Abuja, form part of a coordinated national strategy to ensure that the gains of the country’s improving economic performance translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, said the initiatives were designed to drive inclusive growth and improve living standards.
He noted that Nigeria’s economy had recorded significant progress, with real Gross Domestic Product growth reaching 11.2 per cent and per capita income rising by nearly 10 per cent in the past year.
Oyedele added that foreign reserves had strengthened while inflation declined from its peak, stressing that the gains would serve as a foundation for broader national development.
“These economic improvements are not just statistics but the building blocks for improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said, adding that about 15 million vulnerable households had already benefited from expanded social transfer programmes.
Among the initiatives unveiled under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative are the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity-Governance programme with $500m funding, and the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Programme with $570m financing.
The HOPE-GOV programme is expected to improve governance in budget planning and recruitment of teachers and healthcare workers, particularly in underserved areas, while HOPE-PHC will strengthen service delivery in primary healthcare using the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund as a backbone.
In his remarks, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the programmes align with the administration’s renewed hope health agenda and are already translating policy commitments into measurable outcomes.
He explained that the healthcare reform blueprint is built on four pillars, including effective governance, improved service delivery, strengthening the healthcare value chain, and enhancing health security.
Pate disclosed that 3,026 primary healthcare centres had been revitalised across the country, while 231 secondary hospitals received maternal and newborn equipment.
He added that over 43,000 women and newborns had benefited from emergency transport services, while 42,970 maternal and neonatal services were delivered between October 2024 and March 2026.
According to him, 78,054 frontline health workers have been trained, with primary healthcare facilities recording about 45.5 million visits in a single quarter.
“The reforms are increasing service utilisation, with more women choosing to give birth in health facilities, reflecting renewed confidence in the system,” Pate said.
Also speaking, the World Bank Country Director, Mathew Verghis, commended Nigeria’s efforts to expand access to quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations.
He said the Universal Health Coverage compact had strengthened collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, as well as development partners and the private sector.
He noted that the HOPE-PHC programme and its associated funding mechanisms signal a new level of commitment to improving health outcomes in the country.
At the event, the President formally launched the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Additional Financing, the HOPE Programme, and the Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities Programme.
The initiatives are expected to drive inclusive and sustainable development across Nigeria.