The Federal Ministry of Health has referred to a recent executive order by former U.S. President Donald Trump on foreign aid as a wake-up call for Nigeria to bolster its healthcare system and reduce reliance on international funding.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made the statement during an oversight visit to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Ebute Metta, Lagos. He stressed the need for strategic planning and mobilizing domestic resources to sustain key health programs amid anticipated reductions in U.S. and other foreign aid.
After touring FMC Ebute Metta, Salako expressed concerns over the expected decrease in foreign assistance. “The executive orders being reviewed in the U.S. suggest that aid and grants to developing countries like Nigeria are likely to decrease. This is a wake-up call for us to rethink our strategies, work harder, and aim for a more self-sufficient healthcare system,” he said.
The minister revealed that the Nigerian government is engaging stakeholders, including United Nations bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Global Platform (UNGP), and the Global Forum, to explore collaborative solutions and expert recommendations.
Salako also highlighted the impact of potential funding cuts on critical programs, such as HIV treatment, which relies heavily on U.S. funding. He emphasized the need to find alternative revenue sources.
“We are considering options like crowdfunding and increasing government funding for healthcare projects. It is crucial that we diversify our funding sources to avoid a crisis,” he noted. He further advocated for continued global cooperation, stressing that no country operates in isolation.
“The world is a global village. What happens in one country affects others. America cannot operate alone, just as Nigeria or any other country cannot. I believe reason will prevail, and the U.S. will continue to play an essential role in the global community. However, this situation presents an opportunity for us to develop a more independent and resilient healthcare system,” he concluded.
In praising the management and staff of FMC Ebute Metta, the minister called the facility a “small body with a big engine” due to its efficient use of space, digital innovations, and quality medical equipment. He specifically commended the hospital’s electronic medical record (EMR) system, calling it a potential model for other healthcare facilities under the Nigeria Digital Health Initiative.
“Our goal is to create a transparent system with one provider per geopolitical zone. The provider here is being assessed and could be recommended for wider adoption,” he explained. He also applauded the hospital’s transition to a paperless system, calling it a significant step toward reducing medical tourism and improving healthcare delivery.
While rating the hospital’s performance as “excellent,” Salako acknowledged areas for improvement and pledged further discussions with the Medical Director to address them.
Regarding the federal government’s efforts to enhance cancer treatment, Salako highlighted initiatives such as the Cancer Health Fund, which supports cancer patients, and the Catastrophic Health Fund, which subsidizes treatment for severe conditions like kidney dialysis. “Thanks to government intervention, dialysis costs have been reduced from ₦50,000 per session to ₦12,000. Expanding cancer treatment facilities and raising awareness remain top priorities,” he added.
Reflecting on the hospital’s growth, Dr. Adedamola Dada, the Medical Director of FMC Ebute Metta, spoke about his tenure as a journey of resilience, vision, and dedication. “For me, the motivation has always been to prove that improving healthcare in Nigeria is not rocket science. Nigerians can improve Nigeria, and I wanted to be part of that change,” he said.
When Dada took office, the hospital had just 72 beds and a reputation for subpar service. “Today, we have 450 beds—a sevenfold increase—thanks to meticulous planning and efficient resource use,” he noted. He attributed the transformation to a well-executed roadmap, which allowed the hospital to maximize resources and serve more patients.
“The hospital’s infrastructure and capacity have expanded significantly. Operating theatres increased from three to 12, training programs expanded from two departments to eight, and the annual patient load quadrupled from 50,000–60,000 to over 200,000, with about 4,000 new patients registered each month.”
Under Dada’s leadership, FMC Ebute Metta became the first public health institution in Nigeria to achieve Level 4 certification under the SafeCare Assessment Programme. “This accomplishment reflects not only the dedication of our workforce but also the trust of our patients. Our patients are happier today because we’ve improved the quality of care and streamlined their experience,” he added.
On the issue of health worker agitation, Dada acknowledged ongoing concerns about staff welfare and remuneration, describing it as a national challenge. “The Nigerian Medical Association, JOHESU, and other unions are in talks with the federal government. Beyond salaries, we must improve healthcare workers’ overall quality of life. If someone earns a high salary but spends most of it on housing, transportation, and food, the improvement is minimal,” he explained. He urged government intervention and expressed hope that ongoing negotiations would result in better working conditions for healthcare workers across the country.
