Tinubu promises stronger primary healthcare for poorer Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has promised to strengthen primary healthcare services for poorer Nigerians as part of a wider effort to improve access to essential public services. Mr Tinubu made the commitment in a televised address marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. He said the federal government would work with state and local governments to improve primary healthcare, basic education and other services on which poorer Nigerians depend.

“That is why, working with our states and local governments, we will continue to strengthen primary healthcare, basic education, and the essential public services poorer Nigerians depend on most,” he said. The statement places primary healthcare alongside basic education as a priority for cooperation between the different levels of government. The source material does not specify the funding, timetable or individual programmes that will be used to deliver the pledge.

The commitment formed part of the President’s broader address on economic reforms and the government’s plans for the next phase of its administration. In the speech, Mr Tinubu said the government was moving from correcting economic problems towards delivering shared prosperity. He also said the administration would strengthen support for poor households while pursuing economic growth.

Other measures discussed in related parts of the address included efforts to lower production and transport costs, support agriculture and expand opportunities for young Nigerians. Mr Tinubu’s pledge comes as the government says it is seeking to ensure that improvements in economic indicators translate into better living conditions. However, the supplied material contains no independent assessment of current access to primary healthcare or details on how the proposed cooperation with states and local governments will operate.

The President presented stronger public services as part of the administration’s effort to provide practical support to vulnerable citizens, alongside measures designed to improve education, employment and household welfare.