The Federal Government has announced plans to expand the Jigi-Bola Initiative to provide at least five million free spectacles and 25,000 free cataract surgeries nationwide by the end of 2027 as part of efforts to achieve universal access to quality eye care and reduce avoidable blindness.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this on Thursday while declaring open the 49th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and the Annual General Meeting of the African Council of Optometry (AFCO).
Salako said the expansion of the initiative under the Renewed Hope Health Connect Programme underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health system through improved access to eye care services.
He said, “The initiative is being expanded under the Renewed Hope Health Connect Programme to deliver at least five million free spectacles and 25,000 free cataract surgeries across the country by the end of 2027.”
Speaking on the conference theme, “Optometrists in a Changing Africa: From Diversity to Unity,” the minister described it as a timely call for stronger collaboration among eye care professionals across the continent to build resilient and inclusive health systems capable of addressing Africa’s growing eye health challenges.
According to him, eye health is no longer treated as an afterthought under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, as the Federal Government has prioritised primary eye care and the prevention of avoidable blindness through deliberate policies and sustained investments.
Salako highlighted achievements recorded under the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024–2028), including the integration of eye care services across all levels of healthcare, the launch of the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit to standardise diagnosis, treatment and referral protocols, as well as the training of ophthalmologists from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to strengthen glaucoma management nationwide.
The minister disclosed that under the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative, popularly known as Jigi-Bola 2.0, more than 2,220 Primary Health Care workers across 16 states have been trained and equipped to conduct vision screening and refer patients for appropriate treatment.
He added that the programme has already screened nearly two million Nigerians and distributed more than 1.3 million free reading glasses, with about 66 per cent of beneficiaries receiving spectacles for the first time.
Salako stressed that investments in eye care yield enormous social and economic benefits through improved productivity, better educational outcomes, reduced healthcare costs and greater social inclusion.
“Studies have shown that for every one dollar invested in global eye care, there is a return of between 28 and 36 dollars through the prevention of vision loss, improved quality of life, reduced burden on the healthcare system and increased productivity. Enhanced eye care services are a panacea for promoting social inclusion, education and overall well-being,” he said.
The minister commended Nigerian optometrists for their dedication, describing them as the frontline of community eye health and critical to bridging the gap between primary vision screening and specialised clinical care.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Optometric Association to expand community-based eye care programmes, promote research and integrate optometric services more effectively into the country’s healthcare system.
“As we look ahead, the Ministry remains fully committed to collaborating with the Nigerian Optometric Association to integrate these grassroots programmes even deeper into our national health architecture. We want to hear your ideas, tap into your research and lean on your expertise to make universal eye health a reality in Nigeria,” Salako said.
The minister also congratulated the Nigerian Optometric Association for securing the headquarters of the African Council of Optometry in Nigeria and producing the President-elect of the continental body, describing both achievements as significant milestones for Nigeria’s eye care profession.
He urged optometrists to continue promoting professional excellence, mentoring younger practitioners and partnering with the Federal Government to achieve universal access to quality eye care services.
Declaring the conference open, Salako expressed optimism that the gathering would produce practical solutions to bridge existing gaps in the prevention and treatment of vision impairment and blindness across Nigeria and the African continent.
