Nigeria’s drive for universal health coverage has received a boost, with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) pledging to leverage newly granted financial autonomy to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
Speaking at the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue in Abuja, Hon. Aminu Hassan, Chairman of Jalingo Local Government, Taraba State, said direct access to federal allocations would transform service delivery by allowing councils to invest more in health, sanitation, agriculture and security.
He welcomed the inclusion of local councils in national health policy forums, describing it as a shift from past “top-down” approaches.
ALGON’s Samuel Gejere added that better alignment of local government budgets with social determinants of health could reduce strain on primary healthcare centres and improve outcomes for vulnerable communities.
Stakeholders also underscored persistent challenges. Dr Mohammed Safana of the Katsina State Health Insurance Agency noted that despite rising awareness of health insurance since 2019, affordability and insecurity remain major barriers to enrolment. He advocated pooled funding mechanisms, stronger community ownership, and innovative models such as integrating health premiums into cultural practices.
The dialogue, organised by the NHIA and partners, concluded that sustained advocacy, political commitment and efficient resource use will be essential to build equitable and resilient health financing systems across Nigeria.
