The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to taking full responsibility for the health of Nigerians amid growing concerns over changes in global health funding.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja while receiving the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Felix Costales Artieda, who led a delegation from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) on a courtesy visit.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday, 24th February, 2026, by Ado Barko, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations to the Ministry.
Salako described concerns over shifts in global health financing as legitimate but stressed that Nigeria must not depend solely on external partners for the wellbeing of its citizens.
“Nigeria is also concerned about the changes around global health funding. But we cannot be dependent on anybody for the health of our citizens. We must take responsibility and be in the driver’s seat,” he said.
The minister noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government is implementing sweeping reforms through the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, built on four pillars aimed at transforming the sector.
He disclosed that discussions during the meeting opened an opportunity for Nigeria and Spain to revisit the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), particularly in areas such as technology transfer and local manufacturing.
He said this aligns with the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), designed to boost domestic production of medical products.
Salako also highlighted Nigeria’s efforts in addressing obstetrics fistula and gynecological conditions, including the establishment of specialized institutions and provision of free treatment and social reintegration services for affected women.
Speaking on behalf of the Spanish delegation, AECID Director, Mr. Anton Leis, outlined Spain’s multilateral health interventions in Nigeria, including partnerships with UNFPA to combat female genital mutilation and support polio eradication.
He added that Spain, working with UNICEF and the European Union, has contributed €1.1 million to support health efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s medical products industry.
Leis commended Nigeria’s sector-wide approach to health reforms, describing it as a “one plan, one budget” model that fosters coordination and effectiveness.
Abuja Times reports that both parties expressed optimism about deepening collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s health system and improve outcomes for citizens.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom S. Stated that Nigeria and Spain have a long standing issue, recalling that the two nations have signed MoUs in 2022 and 2025, for collaboration.