Health policymakers, legislators, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders are expected to meet in Abuja in October to discuss how Nigeria can bridge the gap between health policies and their implementation.

The stakeholders will meet at the 2026 National Health Equity Conference scheduled for 13 to 15 October at the Nigeria National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja.

The conference, organised by OneBarrow International Limited, will focus on the theme, “From Policy to Impact: Care Coordination as the Core Engine of Health Equity.”

According to the organisers, the meeting will examine how stronger coordination across different levels of the healthcare system can improve access to care, quality of services and continuity of treatment.

The conference is expected to bring together policymakers, legislators, healthcare regulators, development partners, professional bodies, healthcare practitioners, civil society organisations, patient and community groups, academics and private sector representatives.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, is listed as the Chief Host, while the Chairman of the House Committee on Health Services, Amos Magaji, and the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, are expected to attend as Special Guests of Honour.

Policy implementation

The Chief Executive Officer of OneBarrow International Limited, Yemi Ajao, said the conference would focus on how existing health policies and frameworks could be translated into action.

“​​Nigeria has developed important health policies and frameworks, but the real test is what happens when those policies reach the people and communities they are designed to serve,” Mr Ajao said.

He said the conference would examine implementation across the federal, state and local government levels, as well as collaboration among healthcare professionals.

According to him, better coordination among doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, health administrators and other professionals could help reduce fragmentation in healthcare delivery.

“Every healthcare cadre has a unique and complementary role to play. The patient experiences the health system as one system, regardless of how many professionals or institutions are involved in their care,” he said.

He added that stronger referral systems, communication and accountability would be important to improving coordination within the health system.

Health equity

The organisers said health equity would be another major focus of the conference, particularly the effect of poor coordination on people who face barriers to accessing healthcare.

The meeting will also consider the role of technology, data and citizen participation in improving accountability in healthcare.

Issues expected to be discussed include digital feedback mechanisms, transparency, access to health information and awareness of patients’ rights.

Mr Ajao said citizens should have channels through which they can provide feedback on healthcare services and participate in discussions about the quality of care.

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“Citizens must understand their rights, have meaningful channels to provide feedback and be empowered to participate in conversations about the quality of care they receive,” he said.

Expected outcome

The organisers said the conference would produce a post conference communiqué and an implementation roadmap containing recommendations and commitments from participants.

They said the roadmap would be used to support policy implementation, track commitments and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.

The organisers said the meeting would seek to move discussions beyond identifying problems to developing practical actions that can be implemented across Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has condemned the alleged attack and obstruction of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State.

The party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said Obi’s convoy was allegedly blocked by suspected thugs who prevented him from gaining access to Yelwata community, where more than 270 people were reportedly killed.

According to the NDC, the group was allegedly led by an aide to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and was armed with dangerous weapons.

The statement reads “According to reports, the group was allegedly led by an aide to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr.

Hyacinth Alia. Armed with dangerous weapons, they blocked Mr Obi’s convoy and prevented him from gaining entry into Yelwata community, where over 270 people were reportedly massacred.

“In his own words, Mr. Obi stated: “I arrived in Benue this morning at about 9 a.m. with the intention of visiting the victims and families affected by the horrific killings in Yelwata. Unfortunately, we were stopped from proceeding to the community by thugs chanting, ‘Peter Obi, go back.’

“The NDC finds it deeply troubling and condemnable that a visit intended solely to mourn with grieving families, offer solidarity, and listen to victims about how to prevent future tragedies was obstructed in this manner.

“Mr. Obi further stated: “I came to Benue not for politics but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain. At a time when our nation should be united in grief and committed to preventing further loss of life, we must avoid actions that deepen divisions.”

“The NDC believes that Benue and all Nigerians deserve to live, sleep peacefully, travel safely, and farm their lands without fear. Above all, they deserve a government that priorities the protection of human life above every other consideration.

“Although access to the community was denied today, the hearts and prayers of the NDC and our presidential candidate remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community.

“We will not be deterred. The NDC will persist until we restore the fundamental responsibility of government: the protection of every Nigerian’s life.

“We call on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to immediately investigate this incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and guarantee the safety of all citizens and leaders who seek to show solidarity in times of grief.”