OPENING REMARKS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE, DAJU, KACHOLLOM S. mni, AT THE TECHNICAL SESSION OF THE 66TH REGULAR MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON HEALTH (NCH), HELD IN CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE, ON MONDAY, 17TH NOVEMBER 2025

Protocol

1. It is a pleasure to chair the Technical Session of the 66th National Council on Health (NCH) here in Calabar — the People’s Paradise. This Technical Session represents the engine room of the NCH: the space where ideas are interrogated, evidence is weighed, and technical recommendations are shaped for the consideration of the Council.
2. Following wide consultations, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare adopted the theme: “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience and Innovation.”
   This theme is timely and compelling. It challenges us to put the Nigerian citizen at the centre of every decision we make ensuring that policies, plans, and programmes truly advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The conversations we begin today will strengthen the foundations of a resilient health system, and more importantly, rebuild public trust in the services we provide.
3. In line with our mandate, the Ministry continues to consolidate reforms across primary healthcare, supply chain management, and human resources for health — including the recently approved Health Workforce Migration Policy. We are also strengthening institutional coordination, improving accountability mechanisms, and enhancing the data systems required for evidence-based decision-making.
4. The comprehensive agenda before this 66th Council underscores our commitment to building a resilient, efficient, and inclusive health system. We fully recognise the challenges ahead; yet we are equally confident in our collective ability to drive meaningful change. I encourage us to bring innovation, dedication, and collaboration to our deliberations as we work towards a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.
5. I wish to express profound appreciation to the Government of Cross River State for graciously hosting this meeting. We recognise the competing demands on state resources, and we deeply value the commitment demonstrated by opening your doors to the national health family. I also acknowledge the Honourable Commissioner for Health, the State Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and all who have contributed to making this meeting possible.
6. My gratitude also goes to the Heads of Departments and Directors of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; the leadership and staff of the Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics (DHPRS) for its effective coordination of the NCH Secretariat; the Programme Sub-Committee and Rapporteurs for their technical support; the Local Organising Committees for their tireless efforts; and our Development Partners for their unwavering collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
7. I urge all members of the Technical Committee to approach your tasks with diligence, professionalism, and a shared sense of purpose. Our responsibility is not only to evaluate the technical merit of each memorandum, but also to ensure that our recommendations are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with national priorities and the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint 2023–2027. I look forward to robust deliberations and a productive week of technical engagement.
8. On this note, I formally declare open the Technical Session of the 66th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Health.
   Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.