Opinion

Transforming Nigeria’s Health Sector

Published

1 year ago

February 7, 2025

Where does one start analysing the recent claim by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, that Nigeria is becoming a hub for quality health care and a destination choice for patients from the West African subregion and other parts of the world? Is it from the fact that as at the time he was making the statement on Tuesday, the number one citizen of the country, President Bola Tinubu was almost ready for a private visit, (believed by many to be health check related) to Paris, France the following day? Or, that the minister did not explain what he meant by “quality healthcare” nor did he tell the State House correspondents the number of patients that come to Nigeria from the USA and the UK for treatment and why.
Are they Nigerians in the diaspora visiting Nigeria and receiving treatment? Do the so-called people from all over the world come to Nigeria for medical treatment because Nigeria offers the best medical care better than anywhere in the world? No doubt, there may be some people who visit hospitals in Nigeria, maybe for fertility treatment due to certain restrictions in the countries they reside, who come to consult some particular health experts or those that find the treatment of certain ailments cheaper in Nigeria. There also exist some specialised hospitals in the country, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, who do attract patients from neighbouring West African countries for treatments in such areas as organ transplants, cardiology, fertility treatments, and advanced surgeries. But on a global scale, can Nigeria be regarded as a top destination for medical tourism? How did the minister arrive at that
And talking of quality healthcare, as earlier stated, it would have been nice if the Minister had given us the indices he used to arrive at his assertion and his own meaning of quality healthcare. Experts have defined quality healthcare as medical services that are effective, safe, timely, patient-centred, equitable, and efficient. It ensures that patients receive the right care at the right time, leading to better health outcomes. This means that, for healthcare to be considered quality, the treatments and interventions should be based on scientific evidence and best practices to improve patient health; it should minimise risks, errors, and harm to patients; patients should receive care without unnecessary delays; it should respect and respond to individual patient needs, values, and preferences; it should be accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status, race, gender, or geographic location.
Above all, it should be efficient – resources should be used wisely to avoid waste and keep healthcare costs manageable. Are these the case in Nigeria? It is no hidden fact that many hospitals and clinics in the country, especially the public hospitals lack basic amenities like clean water, stable electricity, and modern medical equipment. Rural areas suffer from a lack of healthcare facilities, forcing patients to travel long distances for medical attention. Many doctors, nurses, and other medical workers migrate abroad (japa syndrome) due to low wages and poor working conditions. The doctor-to-patient ratio is far below the WHO recommendation. Not once have we seen a doctor dozing off while consulting patients due to fatigue and heavy workload. All the doctors’ strike actions for these reasons have not brought about a significant change.
How easily do patients receive medical attention in our hospitals and clinics? In most government hospitals, patients spend almost a full day or more to see a doctor. When the doctor is a consultant, the waiting period will definitely be longer. And how affordable are the treatments and the drugs? The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was established in 1999 in response to increased out-of-pocket payments and the call for a movement towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Since the scheme started its operations in 2005, how many people have enrolled in the programme? The current Minister for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, while serving as the Minister of State for Health in May 2024 said that the government had allocated dedicated funds and initiated collaborations to enhance primary healthcare services and expand health insurance coverage and that the president had mandated them to increase coverage from about seven million then to about 50 million people.
Today, records show that only a small percentage of the citizens are still covered by the scheme. According to a report by the Journal of Global Health Economic and Policy, less than 5 percent of Nigerians are enrolled in NHIS, while 70 percent still rely on out-of-pocket payments, making healthcare unaffordable for the poor The challenge of poor drug regulation, counterfeit medicine, inadequate funding, poor emergency response, inconsistent government policies and corruption, poor sanitation and hygiene are yet to be dealt with. How then do we have quality healthcare in Nigeria? What about the careless and nasty attitude of healthcare providers towards the patients. Many Nigerians are left with permanent scars and disabilities due to the negligence of so-called healthcare experts who treated them.
Sure, medical negligence is not peculiar to Nigeria but it has become a constant occurrence in our health facilities and must be looked into by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, the Nigeria Medical Association and other relevant authorities. To take the nation’s healthcare system to the desired eldorado, a combination of policy reforms, increased funding, infrastructure development, workforce enhancement, attitudinal change among the healthcare providers and reduction of corruption in the health sector is necessary. Pate on Tuesday revealed that federal government has approved the sum of N12 billion for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, an advanced diagnostic equipment, across six tertiary health institutions in addition to Nigeria’s ratification of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) Treaty, which aims to harmonise medical regulatory standards across the continent.
That is a commendable step by the government if only the government will ensure that the money when released will be used for the stated aim and the right equipment purchased and regularly maintained. It is also important that the government allocates at least 15 percent of the national budget to health, as recommended by the Abuja Declaration. They should explore public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract investments in healthcare infrastructure. There is also the need to upgrade and equip existing hospitals with modern medical technology, establish more primary healthcare centers (PHCs), especially in rural areas and invest in digital health solutions such as telemedicine to improve access. The issue of shortage of healthcare workers must be addressed through improved salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
Incentives (such as scholarships, housing, and career growth opportunities) should be regularly offered to retain healthcare professionals. Other important measures to be taken include expansion of the NHIS to cover more citizens, including the informal sector; introduce community-based health insurance programmes to increase access to affordable healthcare; the government, both federal and states, should subsidise low-income families to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.The authorities should strengthen immunisation programmes to prevent disease outbreaks and promote health education campaigns on sanitation, hygiene and healthy lifestyles. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) should be empowered to monitor and regulate pharmaceutical products more effectively, while the law enforcement agencies should do more in the area of enforcing stricter penalties for drug counterfeiters.
Implement technology-driven tracking systems to detect and remove fake drugs from circulation.The government should also increase funding for medical research and encourage local drug production. Partnership with universities and research institutions to develop innovative health solutions will certainly be productive. Government should also consider supporting the development of traditional medicine through scientific validation. As Africans, many Nigerians in the diaspora believe in the potency of herbs. A story was recently told of how some Nigerians make money by sending herbal medicine to Nigerians abroad. So, developing and properly regulating this sector might be the major attracter of patients. To have people come from all over the world to Nigeria, with the assurance that they will get the best of medical care here is the wish of many Nigerians.
Maybe that will reduce the president’s trip to France and save the nation some money. But achieving that goes beyond rhetorics or making political statements. Let there be more actions than words

Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Monthly Environmental Sanitation Imperative

Published

3 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “A clean environment is not a government gift; it is a civic duty that protects our health, preserves our cities, and reflects our national character.”

For many Nigerians who grew up in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, the last Saturday of every month followed a familiar pattern. Roads were deserted, markets closed, and residents swept compounds, cleared gutters, cut overgrown weeds, and disposed off refuse. The monthly environmental sanitation exercise became a national ritual that promoted cleanliness, discipline, and civic responsibility. As an environment correspondent about two decades ago, I joined officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Environment on sanitation monitoring tours across Port Harcourt and surrounding communities. Although enforcement officers were sometimes accused of excesses, the exercise succeeded in creating public awareness about the importance of keeping our surroundings clean. Over time, however, the practice faded away in many states.

In its absence, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blocked drainages and environmental neglect became increasingly common. Today, heaps of waste line roads, markets and motor parks, while gutters clogged with plastics contribute to perennial flooding. Given the mounting environmental challenges facing Nigerian cities, there is no better time to revive environmental sanitation. Its return is no longer a matter of nostalgia; it is a practical necessity for public health, environmental safety, and sustainable development. Poor sanitation remains a major cause of disease. Stagnant water and uncollected waste create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, flies and rodents, increasing the risk of malaria, cholera, typhoid and other infections. Floodwaters contaminated by refuse also expose communities to serious health hazards.

Rapid urbanisation has worsened the situation. Cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja are expanding faster than their waste management systems can cope. As populations grow, so does the volume of waste generated daily. Monthly sanitation exercises can help rebuild environmental consciousness. Beyond cleaning streets, they remind citizens that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility. They also offer an opportunity to educate children and young people about hygiene, public health and community participation. Critics argue that the old sanitation policy restricted movement and was sometimes abused by security personnel. Those concerns were valid, but they do not invalidate the concept itself. Rather than abandon it, governments should reform the programme to make it more humane, participatory and transparent.

That is why the recent decision by the Lagos State Government to reintroduce monthly sanitation deserves commendation. Even if participation is largely voluntary, the move sends a strong signal that environmental responsibility must be taken seriously. Other states should emulate this initiative. In Rivers State, the Rivers State Waste Management Agency has intensified efforts to improve waste collection and restore Port Harcourt’s reputation as the Garden City. Reintroducing monthly sanitation would complement these efforts and deepen public involvement. At the federal level, policies such as the Digital Waste Marketplace, the Plastic Waste Policy and the National Waste Management Network are commendable. However, environmental sanitation remains one of the most direct and visible ways to mobilise citizens toward cleaner communities.

The exercise, however, must be supported by efficient waste management infrastructure. Citizens cannot be expected to maintain clean surroundings if there are inadequate waste bins, irregular refuse collection, and limited recycling facilities. Governments at all levels should invest in modern waste management systems, properly fund sanitation agencies, and promote recycling programmes. Waste sorting should become standard practice to reduce the volume of refuse ending up in landfills and drainage channels. Countries such as Singapore, Sweden and South Korea have demonstrated that waste can become a valuable economic resource. Recycling industries in these countries create jobs while protecting the environment. Nigeria can adopt similar strategies and turn waste into wealth.

Environmental laws must also be enforced consistently. Regulations against illegal dumping exist in many states but are rarely implemented. Offenders should face penalties, but enforcement must be fair and free from extortion. Urban planning is another critical factor. Poor drainage systems, overcrowding and inadequate sewage infrastructure worsen sanitation problems. Governments must prioritise road construction, drainage maintenance and orderly urban development. Markets deserve particular attention. They generate enormous quantities of waste every day, yet many lack organised disposal systems. Local councils and market associations should work together to establish effective waste collection arrangements in commercial centres. Religious institutions, schools, traditional rulers and civil society groups also have important roles to play.

Environmental responsibility should be taught and reinforced as a social value. Community leaders can help change attitudes by consistently promoting cleaner habits. This issue is even more urgent in an era of climate change. Flooding, erosion and extreme weather events are already threatening many Nigerian communities. Poor waste disposal worsens these challenges by blocking waterways and reducing urban resilience. A clean environment also offers economic benefits. Well-maintained cities attract investors, tourists and businesses. Reduced disease outbreaks lower healthcare costs and improve productivity among workers and students. More importantly, cleanliness reflects national values. A nation that allows public spaces to deteriorate projects an image of disorder and neglect. Nigerians deserve cleaner streets, healthier neighbourhoods and safer communities.

Reviving environmental sanitation will not solve all environmental problems overnight, but it can serve as a powerful starting point. Combined with effective waste management, public education and stronger infrastructure, it can restore environmental consciousness across the country. Ultimately, environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility. Government must provide leadership, infrastructure and enforcement, while citizens must demonstrate discipline and civic commitment. From disposing of household waste properly to keeping drains free of obstruction, every Nigerian has a role to play. If Nigeria is serious about protecting public health, reducing flooding and building livable cities, the return of monthly environmental sanitation is a step whose time has come.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

God’s Intentionality in Ecological System

Published

3 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Every component of creation is interdependent, demonstrating that God designed nature as a balanced system in which each part contributes to the wellbeing of the whole”.

From the very first chapter of Scripture, the Bible presents a profound truth: creation was not accidental, random, or without meaning. The universe emerged from the deliberate counsel of an all-wise God who fashioned every aspect of life with purpose and precision. The heavens were stretched out by His command, the earth was carefully positioned, the seas were bounded, and every living creature was assigned a distinct role within a perfectly coordinated ecological system. When God surveyed His completed work, He pronounced it “very good,” affirming that creation was whole, harmonious, and exactly as He intended. The natural world remains a visible testimony to God’s intentionality. The sun provides warmth and energy at the right intensity to sustain life. The moon governs tides and seasons. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

Rivers irrigate the land and quench thirst. Bees and butterflies pollinate crops. Birds disperse seeds. Animals maintain biodiversity. Every component of creation is interdependent, demonstrating that God designed nature as a balanced system in which each part contributes to the wellbeing of the whole. Nothing was made without significance, and nothing was left to chance. Among all created beings, humanity occupies a unique and privileged position. Unlike plants and animals, man was created in the image and likeness of God. This divine imprint endowed human beings with intelligence, moral consciousness, creativity, and the capacity for relationship with their maker. It also established mankind as the steward of creation. God granted humanity dominion over the earth, not as a license for reckless exploitation, but as a sacred trust to cultivate, protect, and preserve the world He had declared good.

Dominion, in God’s original intention, was to be exercised with wisdom, compassion, and responsibility. Human beings were meant to care for the land, use natural resources judiciously, and ensure that all forms of life flourished in accordance with divine order. The earth was to be managed as a trust from God, not plundered for selfish gain. Unfortunately, this divine mandate has been grossly misunderstood and widely abused. It is deeply regrettable that man has deviated so drastically from God’s original intention. Instead of stewardship, humanity has too often embraced greed. Instead of preservation, there has been exploitation. Instead of gratitude to the Creator, there has been reckless consumption and abuse of the environment. Across the world, forests are felled indiscriminately, rivers are contaminated, and fertile lands are stripped of their productivity.

Species disappear as habitats are destroyed. Air pollution threatens public health, and climate change disrupts weather patterns and livelihoods. What God created as a life-supporting ecosystem is increasingly treated as a disposable commodity. In Nigeria, the consequences are especially painful. Oil spills in the Niger Delta have devastated farmlands, poisoned rivers, and destroyed fishing communities. Poor waste management clogs drains and contributes to flooding. Erosion eats away homes and roads. Illegal mining and logging scar the landscape. In many cases, communities suffer while those responsible evade justice. At the root of much of this destruction is corruption. Funds earmarked for environmental protection, sanitation, and erosion control are often diverted for personal enrichment. Regulatory agencies are compromised through bribery.

Powerful individuals and corporations place profit above human welfare. Corruption thus becomes not only a moral failure but an assault on God’s creation. This environmental abuse is also a tragic expression of man’s inhumanity to man. When water is polluted, children fall sick. When farmlands are destroyed, farmers lose their means of survival. When rivers are contaminated, fishermen are plunged into poverty. When floods and erosion displace families, communities are torn apart. The burden of environmental degradation falls most heavily on the poor and vulnerable, while future generations inherit a diminished world. Yet, despite humanity’s failures, there remains hope for restoration. God’s purpose for creation has not changed. He still calls His people to responsible stewardship and righteous living. When individuals and nations return to God’s principles, they begin to view the earth not as an object to exploit, but as a sacred trust to preserve.

Responsible stewardship means protecting natural resources, planting trees, reducing pollution, disposing of waste properly, enforcing environmental laws, rejecting corruption, and treating others with justice and compassion. It requires governments to act with integrity, businesses to operate ethically, faith communities to teach creation care, and citizens to take personal responsibility for the environment. Creation care is therefore more than an environmental concern; it is a spiritual obligation. Our treatment of the earth and of one another reflects the sincerity of our reverence for God. To exploit nature, oppress the vulnerable, and enrich ourselves through corruption is to rebel against His purpose. To protect creation and uphold justice is to honor the Creator and participate in His original design. The world God made was declared “very good.” It is our solemn duty to ensure that our actions preserve rather than destroy that goodness.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Confronting National Development In Chinese Style

Published

1 week ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “China’s rise was not a miracle. It was the result of deliberate planning, disciplined execution, and a national determination to make poverty reduction the foundation of national development.”

A short TikTok video by @ancientchinaforever recently offered a compelling summary of China’s remarkable transformation from one of the world’s poorest nations to a global economic powerhouse. In just a few minutes, it captured a lesson that developing countries like Nigeria cannot afford to ignore: meaningful development does not happen by chance. It is the product of vision, consistency, and a deliberate commitment to confronting poverty. In 1981, according to the World Bank, nearly 88 percent of China’s population lived in extreme poverty. The country was overwhelmingly rural, industrially weak, and lacking in modern infrastructure. Millions of people had limited access to quality healthcare, education, and basic social services. Yet China refused to accept poverty as its destiny. Its leaders made a strategic decision to treat poverty reduction as the starting point of national development.

Rather than relying on slogans or isolated welfare programmes, they created a coordinated system that mobilised government institutions at every level toward one overriding goal: improving the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

This was the turning point in China’s history. Poverty alleviation became a national mission. Clear targets were established, responsibilities were assigned to provincial and local governments, and officials were evaluated based on measurable results. Data was used to identify poor households, monitor progress, and adjust strategies where necessary.In effect, China built what may be described as a national development machine.The first major reforms focused on agriculture. Through the household responsibility system, farmers were given greater control over their land and allowed to sell surplus produce after meeting government quotas.

This policy created incentives for productivity and innovation. The results were dramatic. Agricultural output rose significantly, rural incomes increased, and millions were lifted out of poverty.With food security improving, China turned to industrialisation. The government established Special Economic Zones, most notably in Shenzhen, to attract foreign investment and promote export-driven manufacturing. What was once a small fishing community quickly transformed into one of the world’s leading industrial and technology hubs. Factories created millions of jobs, drawing workers from rural areas into expanding urban centres. China soon became the manufacturing capital of the world, producing electronics, textiles, machinery, and consumer goods for global markets.The revenue generated from industrial growth was reinvested in infrastructure and human development.

China understood that development requires more than factories. It demands modern infrastructure that connects people, goods, and markets. Massive investments were made in roads, railways, airports, seaports, electricity, and telecommunications.

Today, China’s high-speed rail system, modern cities, and efficient logistics networks stand as visible proof of decades of purposeful investment. Equally important was China’s commitment to education and healthcare.Schools were expanded, literacy improved, and vocational training equipped workers with the skills needed in a modern economy. Healthcare reforms reduced preventable diseases and protected families from being pushed deeper into poverty by medical costs.These investments ensured that economic growth translated into tangible improvements in living standards.

Another defining feature of China’s development model was policy continuity. Through successive Five-Year Plans, national priorities were clearly outlined and pursued over decades. While leaders changed, the core development agenda remained consistent. This stability encouraged investment, strengthened institutions, and allowed long-term projects to be completed. Unlike countries where each administration abandons the policies of its predecessor, China sustained a clear sense of direction.The results have been extraordinary. According to the World Bank, China has lifted more than 800 million people out of extreme poverty—the largest poverty reduction effort in human history. A broad middle class has emerged, and the country has become the world’s second-largest economy. Chinese companies such as Huawei Technologies and Alibaba Group now compete at the forefront of global innovation.

China’s journey has not been without challenges. Rapid industrialisation has contributed to environmental degradation, regional disparities, and demographic pressures. However, these challenges do not diminish the scale of its achievement. They underscore the complexity of transforming a nation of over one billion people. For Nigeria, China’s experience offers valuable lessons. First, poverty reduction must be treated as a strategic national priority rather than a campaign promise. Second, development requires long-term planning and policy continuity. Third, sustained investment in agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare is essential. Fourth, institutions must be strengthened to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes. Finally, leadership must combine vision with disciplined execution. Nigeria is richly endowed with natural resources, entrepreneurial talent, and a youthful population.

What remains missing is a coherent and consistent development strategy that places national interest above politics. China’s transformation demonstrates that development is not a matter of luck. It is the outcome of clear priorities, effective institutions, and unwavering commitment. For countries still grappling with poverty and underdevelopment, China stands as compelling proof that when a nation confronts its challenges with strategic intent and collective discipline, extraordinary progress is possible.

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi