Nigeria’s foremost media development organization, Development Communications Network (DevComs) has called on the incoming administration at both federal and state levels to prioritise the health of Nigerian citizens by providing adequate resources, facilities and continuous training for practitioners.
DevComs made this call on Friday in commemoration of World Health Day with the theme ‘Health for All’ as the World Health Organisation celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Nigeria is expecting a new government at the federal level and in 28 states on May 29, 2023, when the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be sworn in as the 16th president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  As the country prepares for the new administration, DevComs urged for greater development and an appreciable increase in annual budgetary allocation to the health sector in order to improve the health conditions of Nigerians.
Nigeria’s health sector got 4.75% in 2019, 3.83% in 2020, 4.18% in 2021 and 4.7% in 2022 fiscal years falling sort of the 15 percent target agreed upon in the Abuja Declaration.
It is time for Nigeria to join the ranks of countries that have met the 15% target and invest in the health of its people. By doing so, the country will be better equipped to tackle future health crises and improve the overall well-being of its citizens.
In a statement signed by its Program Director, Akin Jimoh, the media NGO said the world’s standardized medical facilities should be sufficiently available in all cities, towns, and villages, and accessible to citizens.  DevComs, argued, that Nigerians should find it easy and convenient to get to where they can receive medical treatments when needed, which is the first requirement of addressing an ailment.
“The new administration should be deliberate in prioritizing the health of citizens. Nigerians deserve quality health care with provision of adequate medical facilities that are affordable and accessible to citizens across the country,” the statement said.
“However, successive governments have not performed to the expectations of Nigerians as they always fell short of funding the health sector. This has to be addressed”.
“Also, the medical practitioners should be trained and retrained by the government. They should be paid well and the country must not fall short of health personnel.  Over the years, the country had suffered brain drain that has seen an exodus of doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other health personnels leaving the shores of this country for greener pastures in the United States, Britain, Canada, and others. The situation has even worsened in recent times”.   
“We urge the new government to prioritize the health of its citizens by ensuring the timely release of funds allocated to the health sector. This action will not only improve the health outcomes of Nigerians but also contribute to the economic growth and development of the country” the statement said.