The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has publicly commended Sokoto State, Delta State, and several other regions for their strong performance in implementing resolutions passed at the 65th National Council on Health (NCH). According to the Ministry, Sokoto is leading in the uptake of the council’s key resolutions, followed by Jigawa, Zamfara, Taraba, Delta, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The 65th NCH, held in Maiduguri, saw high-level participation from key health stakeholders across the country. Under the theme “Accelerating Pathways to Universal Health Coverage: Strategies for 2030 Success,” the council adopted 58 strategic memos and resolutions aimed at tackling systemic health challenges. Among the most critical resolutions were the institutionalization of state-level incentive systems to reward health sector progress, the integration of gender-based violence (GBV) services into primary health care (PHC) centers, and the national scale-up of rapid epidemic response teams.
Another key outcome was the establishment of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), designed to deliver prompt emergency care across the country. The council also emphasized strengthening field epidemiology training as a way to improve disease surveillance and outbreak response. These measures reflect a concerted push by the federal government to build resilience in Nigeria’s health sector.
Sokoto State’s recognition as the top implementer underscores its commitment to translating these national-level decisions into real action. State health officials have reportedly aligned local health programs with national directives, particularly in areas such as PHC strengthening, emergency services, and health workforce development. By doing so, Sokoto is signaling that it is ready to operationalize policies emerging from the NCH.
Delta State, though ranked somewhat behind Sokoto, is also being praised for its proactive role. The state’s health leadership has demonstrated readiness to adopt and implement the NCH resolutions. By aligning with national health reform goals, Delta is contributing to a more coordinated, nationwide push toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The inclusion of other states — like Jigawa, Zamfara, Taraba, Plateau, and the FCT — among top performers demonstrates that the drive to implement NCH resolutions is not limited to just a few regions. These states, according to the Ministry, have shown considerable capacity and political will to execute some of the most transformative resolutions passed by the council.
For the federal government, publicly recognizing these states serves multiple purposes. First, it promotes accountability: by naming and celebrating high-performing states, the Ministry encourages others to keep up. Second, it reinforces healthy competition, incentivizing lagging states to step up. Finally, it helps maintain policy momentum, especially for critical reforms like emergency medical services, GBV integration, and improved disease surveillance.
Nevertheless, experts caution that recognition alone is not enough. Many of the resolutions — especially around NEMSAS and field epidemiology — require substantial and sustained funding, institutional capacity, and political commitment. Without adequate resources or a clear implementation roadmap, the risk is that these resolutions may remain largely aspirational.
There is also the challenge of long-term accountability. While the Ministry is applauding current progress, consistent monitoring, evaluation, and follow-up will be essential to make sure reforms deliver improved health outcomes. States must not only start the work but sustain it — especially in underserved, rural areas.
From the federal perspective, the 2025 Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR) has already flagged performance indicators and aligned them with the National Health Sector Strategic Blueprint. Among reported achievements, over 60 percent of historical NCH resolutions are now being implemented, underscoring a real shift from policy adoption to execution.
In conclusion, the Federal Ministry of Health’s commendation of Sokoto, Delta, and other states is a signal that Nigeria may be gaining traction on its ambitious health reform agenda. But turning the 65th NCH’s vision into meaningful, long-term health outcomes will depend on sustained political will, adequate funding, and robust accountability mechanisms. If these states maintain their current momentum, they could set a strong example for others — helping Nigeria move decidedly closer to its goal of universal health coverage.
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