Stakeholders Advocate for Reimagining Primary Health Care at Abuja Summit
By Genesis ogiri
ABUJA — In a landmark gathering that highlighted Nigeria’s renewed commitment to strengthening frontline health systems, the Abuja Primary Health Care Summit convened at the prestigious Nigeria National Merit Award House, Maitama. The summit brought together a distinguished assembly of policymakers, health-sector experts, development partners, and community leaders, all united by the shared objective of reimagining primary health care as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s health system.
Summit Organized under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ruqayya M. T. Wamakko, Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board, the event emphasized the critical role of leadership, coordination, and community engagement in delivering quality health services.
The summit, anchored on the theme, “Reimagining Primary Healthcare for Nigeria’s Renewed Hope: Pathway to Universal Health Coverage,” served as a platform for high-level discourse on systemic gaps, policy reforms, and innovative interventions. Delegates stressed that effective primary health care is not merely an entry point into the health system, but the lifeline that safeguards the health of mothers, children, and vulnerable populations, reflecting the true measure of a nation’s health resilience.
In a keynote statement, Dr. Ruqayya M. T. Wamakko said: “Today, as we convene at the Abuja Primary Health Care Summit under the theme, ‘Reimagining Primary Healthcare for Nigeria’s Renewed Hope: Pathway to Universal Health Coverage,’ we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the foundation of Nigeria’s health system. Primary health care is the first point of contact for families, the shield that protects mothers and children, and the cornerstone upon which equitable, sustainable, and resilient health services are built.
Achieving Universal Health Coverage is not merely a policy goal; it is a responsibility that requires collaboration across all levels of government, development partners, and communities. We must ensure that primary health care is accessible, high-quality, and responsive to the needs of every Nigerian, leaving no one behind.
I call on all stakeholders to embrace innovative approaches, invest in our workforce, strengthen infrastructure, and champion community-centered interventions. Together, we can reimagine primary health care as the backbone of a healthier, more prosperous Nigeria.”
The summit was attended by a broad spectrum of delegates representing key national and state figures, including Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as governors and state executives such as Alh. Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe State), Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Bauchi State), and Engr. Abdullahi Audu Sule (Nasarawa State). These representatives delivered messages highlighting ongoing primary health care reforms in their respective states, reaffirming multi-level commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, First Lady of Jigawa State, described primary health care as the immovable cornerstone of every functional health system. She emphasized that PHC is not merely an introductory layer of care, but the frontline defense that protects women, children, and vulnerable groups from preventable diseases and systemic inequities. She noted that strong PHC systems contribute to lower mortality rates, improved community resilience, and better national health outcomes.
Adding her voice, Hajiya Ramatu Ibrahim—the Jaruma Mata of Africa, the Ebule-jonu of Igala FCT, and North Central Women Leader of Team Tinubu 2027—commended the convener of the summit, affectionately calling him “my uncle.” She highlighted that convening the summit reflects a profound love for humanity and an unwavering commitment to strengthening public health systems, praising the foresight in bringing stakeholders together at a critical time for national health reform.
During the summit, panelists collectively rallied around the imperative of providing a robust, quality primary health care system capable of delivering equitable, accessible, and sustainable services at the grassroots level. They emphasized that PHC is the foundation upon which national health outcomes are built, advocating for strengthened infrastructure, well-trained personnel, integrated service delivery, and community-focused health programs. The discussions underscored that achieving Universal Health Coverage requires coordinated action among government agencies, development partners, and civil society to ensure primary care is both comprehensive and resilient.
The summit’s technical sessions interrogated critical issues, including sustainable financing, supply-chain optimization, human resources for health, digital innovations, and governance strengthening. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of harmonized frameworks connecting national policies with state and community-level implementation to eliminate disparities and enhance service coverage.
By the close of proceedings, delegates reaffirmed a unified commitment to reimagining primary health care as the backbone of Nigeria’s public health system, stressing that measurable progress in maternal health, child survival, disease prevention, and community wellness must begin at the primary level. The Abuja Summit thus stands as a pivotal step toward aligning national health priorities with the aspirations of millions of Nigerians seeking reliable, quality, and accessible health care.
