The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) has called on Nigerian states to commit to co-financing health interventions, emphasizing that stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local governments is crucial for building a resilient healthcare system.
Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, National Coordinator of the SWAp Coordination Office, made this appeal during a national policy dialogue held on Wednesday in Abuja.
He noted that citizens’ confidence in the healthcare system was gradually improving, citing reforms in primary healthcare, routine immunisation, and human resources for health as major drivers.
“We are encouraged by what these reforms mean for the resilience of our health system. Utilisation is rising, and the deployment of health fellows in areas such as mental health, routine services, and quality assurance is strengthening system capacity,” Umar-Sadiq said.
He also commended the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for reforms aimed at expanding coverage and aligning with broader system improvements. According to him, the Federal Government is increasingly guided by citizen feedback from annual surveys, ensuring that local voices shape priorities and accountability.
On financing, the coordinator highlighted the need for timely release of budgeted funds, adoption of innovative options such as sugar taxes, and pooled procurement mechanisms to improve efficiency.
“We have an opportunity to rethink health financing. States must join this journey through co-financing agreements, joint implementation, and innovative financing. What affects one state affects all, particularly in epidemic prevention, routine immunisation, and health security,” he stressed.
He further explained that the ongoing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Compact—signed by federal, state, and private sector partners—offers a framework to align roles and responsibilities. The next phase, he said, should strengthen private sector participation and ensure commitments from local governments.
“The compact must evolve to capture incentives and responsibilities across all levels of government and the private sector. This is the path to efficiency, sustainability, and equity in health financing,” he added.
Umar-Sadiq concluded that the sector-wide approach provides stronger ownership and better alignment of limited resources, ensuring outcomes that directly benefit citizens’ health.