House Joins LNU and Stakeholders in 5th Annual Legislative Summit on Health

The House of Representatives recently participated in the 5th Annual Legislative Summit on Health held in Abuja from July 17-19, 2024.

Organised by the Joint Health Committee of the 10th National Assembly in collaboration with the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage (LNU) and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, this year's summit focused on 'Improving Legislative Stewardship and Accountability for Universal Health Coverage.'

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to ensure that all individuals and communities have access to essential, quality, and affordable healthcare services regardless of social status or location. This is a pivotal aspect of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3.8.

The three-day event encompassed plenary sessions, technical workshops, breakout sessions, and private legislative deliberations. Key topics included Nigeria's health financing landscape, enhancing epidemic preparedness and response, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships for effective legislative outcomes.

The Summit also underscored the importance of leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital health technologies, and robust data governance frameworks to achieve universal health coverage goals. Additionally, delegates from State Houses of Assembly collaboratively formulated Legislative Health Agendas tailored to their respective states.

In his keynote address, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, emphasized the critical need to "reposition Nigeria's legislature to enhance accountability in healthcare." Speaker Abbas, represented by Deputy Leader of the House, Rep. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, highlighted the continuous efforts of the 10th Assembly in this pivotal area.

Furthermore, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., House Spokesman and Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, articulated the Green Chamber's healthcare priorities outlined in Agenda 5: Social Sector Reform and Development of the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda.

Stakeholders and delegates were guided through the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Health Agenda, which serves as a pivotal framework for fostering an effective health system in Nigeria. The summit culminated in the presentation of a Communique outlining actionable measures for advancing Nigeria's health system, endorsed by a diverse array of stakeholders including governmental bodies, international organisations, and civil society.

Attendees included the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, some Presidential Advisers, Heads of Governmental Departments and Agencies, as well as serving and former Members of the National Assembly.

The National Assembly Joint Health Committee includes the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), Senate Committee on Primary Healthcare and Disease Control, and the House Committees on Healthcare Services, Healthcare Institutions, Specialty Healthcare, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, as well as Food and Drug Control.

Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo chairs the Joint Health Committee of the National Assembly, supported by Senator Lamido Ibrahim, Rep. Dennis Idahosa, Rep. Amos Magaji, Rep. Alex Egbona, Rep. Amobi Ogah, and Rep. Regina Akume as Co-Chairpersons.

The 10th House of Representatives acknowledges healthcare as a fundamental indicator of national prosperity. As such, the People’s House reaffirms its dedication to healthcare reform, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of Nigerians and enhances responsiveness during crises such as pandemics.

Signed:

Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.

House Spokesman  

Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs