THE ASSOCIATION of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare (PHC) services across the country.
Bello Lawal, ALGON National President, pledged the commitment on Thursday in Abuja, during the National Stakeholders Engagement on Accelerating Improvements in Primary Healthcare in Nigeria with Local Government Financial Autonomy
This is following the Supreme Court’s ruling that mandates direct financial autonomy for the 774 Local Government Councils (LGCs).
Lawal, who was represented by Hon. Aminu Jauro Hassan, ALGON Chairman of Taraba State, lauded the judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim on July 11, 2024.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ruling affirms LGCs as the third tier of government.
It grants them direct access to Federation Account (FAC) funds, ensuring that they can independently manage resources for developmental projects, including healthcare services.
Lawal emphasised that the ruling enables the 774 Local Government Health Authorities (LGHAs) to take full responsibility for PHC budgets and service delivery.
“Under this framework, LGCs will administer all funds allocated for PHC services.
“They will oversee the construction and renovation of healthcare facilities based on community needs, and also handle the recruitment, promotion, and discipline of staff from levels 1–6.
“The LGCs will secure a stronger presence on rebranded State Primary Healthcare Governing Boards to enhance decision-making in PHC administration,” he said.
He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, for organising the stakeholder engagement.
Lawal said that ALGON had launched the National Primary Healthcare Revitalisation and Operationalisation Program (ANPH-ROP) to drive reforms at the local level.
He listed key engagements so far to include the ALGON Stakeholders Workshop at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on August 28, 2024.
“There was the ALGON Stakeholders Forum, held as a side event at the 65th National Council on Health in Maiduguri on November 20, 2024.
“There is also the ongoing National Stakeholders Engagement, which focuses on accelerating PHC improvements with local government financial autonomy,” he said.
He urged local government chairmen to demonstrate strong leadership and work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective governance and the successful implementation of healthcare reforms at the grassroots level.
“We must collaborate to ensure that no one is left behind in our collective effort to enhance primary healthcare service delivery nationwide,” he said.
NAN recalls that the engagement brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare professionals, and civil society representatives.
The aim is to discuss strategies for improving healthcare infrastructure, workforce capacity, and service delivery in Nigeria’s LGCs. (NAN)
