Government Will Continue Investing In Healthcare, Minister Says At NHEA Awards

The Federal Government has shown commitment to health care in Nigeria. In a statement yesterday by NHEA Secretariat, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, re-affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through strategic reforms, improved infrastructure, expanded access to quality healthcare services and stronger collaboration with the private sector and development partners.

The statement said the minister spoke at the 2026 Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA) in Lagos. Salako, while congratulating the nominees, winners and the organisers of the award for their excellence, said they are critical partners in the nation’s journey towards building a stronger and more resilient healthcare system.

NHEA celebrated the nation’s best healthcare institutions, professionals and organisations at a colourful ceremony at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was attended by top government officials, healthcare leaders, regulators, development partners, industry executives, healthcare professionals and nominees from across the country in a celebration of excellence, innovation and leadership in healthcare, apart from the minister.

The Minister commended the organisers of the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards for sustaining a credible platform that identifies and rewards excellence in the healthcare sector, adding that such recognition spurs healthy competition, innovation and constant quality improvement.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the NHEA Advisory Board, Dr. Anthony Omolola, had described the awards not as a ceremony but as a celebration of the remarkable institutions and individuals whose commitment continues to strengthen the country’s healthcare system despite the challenges that exist.

He said the awards have promoted transparency, accountability and excellence over the last decade through a rigorous evaluation process that includes public nominations, voting, independent verification, industry research and assessments by an independent Jury and Advisory Board.

Themed “Innovation, Local Manufacturing and Digital Transformation,” this year’s edition celebrated excellence in healthcare delivery, pharmaceuticals, biomedical technology, health insurance, diagnostics, media and public health. Winners emerged after months of public nominations, voting, independent verification, auditing, industry performance assessments and extensive research.
Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to Dr Ladi Awosika, Sir Ike Onyechi and Emeritus Professor Samuel Chukwunonyerem Ohaegbulam, for their outstanding contributions to the development of healthcare, medical practice, pharmacy, healthcare financing and leadership in Nigeria.
The evening also recognised outstanding organisations in over thirty competitive categories.