The Federal Government has charged members of the sub-committees of the 67th Regular National Council on Health to develop evidence-based and implementable recommendations capable of addressing critical challenges in Nigeria’s health sector.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, gave the charge on Thursday at the inauguration of the sub-committees for the 67th National Council on Health, scheduled to hold from November 16 to 20, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Represented by the Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. John Ovuoraye, the Permanent Secretary described the National Council on Health as a critical platform for policy coordination, dialogue and decision-making in the country’s health sector.
She said the Technical Committee and its various sub-committees were expected to provide the foundation for sound recommendations that would be presented to the Council for consideration.
The Permanent Secretary urged members to approach their assignments with diligence, integrity, professionalism and objectivity, stressing that the quality of their work would have a direct impact on the outcome of the Council’s deliberations.
“The quality of the work produced by these Sub-Committees will have a direct bearing on the effectiveness of the recommendations that will be presented to the National Council on Health,” she said.
She also called for constructive engagement between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nasarawa State Local Organising Committee, urging members to remain open-minded and focused on achieving measurable results.
The 67th Regular National Council on Health will be held under the theme, “From Commitment to Results: Delivering Quality and Equitable Healthcare for All Nigerians.”
The Permanent Secretary commended members for accepting the responsibility of serving on the committees, saying their participation demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health system and improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Also speaking, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Shekwonugaza Gwamna, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Hassan, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to work with the Federal Ministry of Health towards a successful Council.
Hassan said the inaugural meeting provided an opportunity for the Local Organising Committee to present the progress made in preparations, receive guidance from the Federal Ministry and address outstanding issues ahead of the November meeting.
He appreciated members for their commitment and expressed optimism that the deliberations would contribute to a successful 67th National Council on Health.
The meeting also considered key preparatory issues, including the formal inauguration of the sub-committees, clarification of the roles and responsibilities of chairmen and members, finalisation of the logo for the 67th National Council on Health and guidelines for the preparation and timely submission of memoranda by states.
The 67th National Council on Health is expected to bring together key stakeholders from the Federal and state health sectors to deliberate on major health priorities and develop actionable recommendations aimed at improving the quality, equity and responsiveness of healthcare delivery across the country.
Members of the Nasarawa State Local Organising Committee participated virtually, while officials of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare attended the meeting physically.
