Health sector stakeholders have urged governments at all levels to prioritize healthcare and tap into the potential of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to enhance service delivery across Nigeria.

The appeal was made during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. The meeting’s theme was “Beyond Crossroads: Unlocking Health System Potential through Partnerships,” with a sub-theme focusing on “Caring for the Caregivers: Doctors’ Welfare and Mental Resilience in a Broken System.”

Stakeholders also called for increased budgetary allocations to health and a significant expansion of health insurance coverage, noting that currently only about 4% of Nigerians are covered, far below the recommended 50%.

Speaking at the event, former Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, stressed that improved funding and better welfare for doctors could reduce industrial actions and improve service delivery.

“The Nigerian health sector is a baby crying for help. We are not where we should be, yet there is some progress. If we ensure transparency, physician-led governance, and cooperation across hospitals, we can attract private and donor capital to scale services effectively,” he said.

Dr. Ipaye also criticized the current remuneration of doctors, calling it “unacceptable” and warning it could discourage young Nigerians from pursuing medical careers.

“The pay for doctors in Nigeria is not enough. There is no justification for the sacrifices doctors make—social life, family life, and immense effort—only to earn peanuts,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Bala Audu, NMA National President, highlighted Nigeria’s potential in medical tourism and global healthcare training, urging federal and state governments to improve doctors’ welfare and recognition to strengthen the sector.

In his welcome address, Ogun State NMA Chairman, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for his investments in healthcare and called for continued support to enhance the state’s medical system.

The NEC meeting underscored the need for collaboration between public and private sectors to unlock Nigeria’s healthcare potential and improve productivity across the system.