In a strategic move to address the challenges facing primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) led by its National President, Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maitafa, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, at the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja on Tuesday.

The visit, which is part of ALGON’s new administration’s policy direction, aimed to brainstorm ways to address the challenges facing primary healthcare delivery at the grassroots level and improve the service delivery system. The 4th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) entrusts Local Governments with the responsibility of primary healthcare, among other duties.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, expressed his appreciation for the visit and pledged the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with ALGON to achieve the desired objectives.

The collaboration is expected to provide a new vista of synergy and support aimed at mitigating several existential challenges in Nigeria’s rural health ecosystem.

The meeting was attended by top ALGON officials and stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Daju Kachollom, Dr. Mayowa Ilade, Hon. Shehu Jega (Chief of Staff to the ALGON National President, Serikin Kebbi), Dr. Okechukwu Udeh (former Deputy Governor of Anambra State), Dr. Ben, and Barr. Tunde, amongst others.

The collaboration between ALGON and the Federal Ministry of Health is expected to bring direct and unhindered attention to the most health-vulnerable individuals residing in the 774 Local Government Areas and Area Councils in Nigeria. This move is seen as a significant step towards improving primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria.