A dire warning has been issued by the Health Federation of Nigeria (HFN): the Nigerian healthcare system is on the brink of collapse without the active involvement of the private sector. This stark reality is a wake-up call for the government to recognize the critical role that private healthcare providers can play in strengthening the nation's healthcare infrastructure.
In a press conference held in Lagos, HFN President Mrs. Njide Ndili emphasized the urgency of the situation. She highlighted how foreign aid to Nigeria's health sector is dwindling, and public hospitals are struggling to keep up with the demand. Ndili believes the time has come for the government to take concrete action and formally integrate private healthcare providers as strategic allies.
"We are not seeking favors; we are here to showcase our capabilities and demonstrate our value. The private sector is ready to step up and fill the gaps left by declining overseas assistance," Ndili stated.
The HFN, a coalition of private healthcare associations, carries a significant burden of the nation's healthcare needs, yet it remains underutilized in policy implementation. Ndili pointed out that almost 70% of healthcare services in Nigeria are provided or facilitated by the private sector, yet their contributions are often overlooked.
"We are not just an afterthought; we are a vital part of the solution," she emphasized.
Ndili highlighted the HFN's 69-page advocacy report, which documents their sustained engagement with government institutions over the years. These efforts have started to bear fruit, with a signed agreement with the Presidential Initiative on Healthcare, covering local manufacturing, capacity building, investment attraction, and technology transfer. Another significant breakthrough is the inclusion of private healthcare providers in the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Compact signed by all 36 state governors, legitimizing their role in the healthcare framework.
"This is a historic milestone. The private sector is finally being recognized as a legitimate partner in healthcare delivery," Ndili said.
The HFN's advocacy has also led to policy wins, such as the removal of duties on active pharmaceutical ingredients used in local drug manufacturing.
The upcoming HFN conference, scheduled for March 4-5, 2026, will feature policy dialogues, investor sessions, innovation showcases, and the launch of a 2026 Healthcare Outlook in partnership with the National Economic Summit Group.
"This conference is about ensuring the survival and sustainability of our healthcare system. Without collaboration, the healthcare crisis will only worsen," Ndili warned.
Mrs. Irene Nwaukwa, Chair of the Conference Planning Committee and CEO of Infinity Health, emphasized that the forum is not just a talk show but a platform for real engagement and accountability between policymakers and providers.
"It's time for private providers to hold policymakers accountable. We need to ask: when will Nigerians see the results of these announced policies?" Nwaukwa said.
She stressed that relying solely on isolated centers of excellence is not a solution to Nigeria's healthcare crisis.
"Healthcare is about accessibility. If you faint in a market, your survival depends on the quality of care available nearby, not the best hospital in the city. We all need to grow and improve together," she added.
Mr. Olufemi Akingbade, HFN Executive Secretary, warned that without access to financing, the private sector's ability to scale up care will remain limited.
"Healthcare is often viewed as a social service, but it is a business that requires capital investment. We have over 400 private sector organizations struggling to access financing, and this is a serious obstacle to healthcare delivery," Akingbade explained.
The stakeholders also highlighted progress in health insurance enrollment, which has increased from around five million to nearly 20 million Nigerians. However, they cautioned that millions still lack coverage.
"The private sector has revolutionized banking and telecoms through innovation. We believe it can do the same for health insurance," Akingbade said.
Mr. Adekoya Abimbola Julius, Chairman of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors, Lagos State Chapter, emphasized the need for unity and structured collaboration among healthcare providers. He believes access to financing should be driven by a collective organization rather than individual efforts.
"This year, we need to move beyond just talking about money. The first step is bringing healthcare providers together to present clear, unified proposals to regulators, banks, and investors. When we are fragmented, it's challenging to showcase our capabilities and potential for growth," Adekoya said.
He further noted that without coordinated planning and well-defined proposals, private healthcare providers will continue to face difficulties in attracting investment and institutional support.
"We need to be able to articulate our vision: this is what we want to build, this is the impact we aim to achieve. That's how we can foster meaningful partnerships and drive sustainable growth in the health sector," he concluded.
