The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria has appointed Njide Ndili, the country director of PharmAccess, as its new president. She succeeds Dr. Pamela Ajayi, following a competitive election at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting on 27 February 2025. Ndili, who previously served two terms as vice president, will lead alongside other newly elected officials, including. Dr. Benson Cole as first vice president, Dr. Jennifer Anyanti as second vice president, Mrs. Chinyere Okorocha as public relations secretary, and Mr. Babarinde Olayode as financial secretary, and Mr. Reagan Rowland as treasurer. Their appointment was officially announced during HFN’s 10th-anniversary conference, which brought together government officials, international health experts, and private-sector leaders.
In her inaugural address, Ndili outlined her commitment to advancing private-sector involvement in Nigeria’s healthcare reforms. She pledged to strengthen HFN’s role in policy discussions, foster partnerships, and drive Innovation to improve healthcare access and quality. Among her key priorities are leveraging digital Technology to enhance primary healthcare, advocating for zero Tariffs on medical imports, and supporting local pharmaceutical Manufacturing to reduce dependence on foreign products. The conference also featured Prof. Khama Rogo, former lead of the Health in Africa Initiative at the World Bank, who stressed that sustainable healthcare solutions require collaboration between public and private sectors.
Strong policy support will reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported medicine.
Another highlight was a presentation by Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, national coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, who discussed ongoing efforts to boost local pharmaceutical production. Mukhtar emphasised the importance of strong policy support and financial mobilisation in reducing Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported medical products. With Ndili at the helm, HFN’s leadership is expected to influence policies that position the Private Sector as a crucial driver of sustainable healthcare solutions.
Nigeria’s healthcare system has long struggled with inadequate infrastructure, high treatment costs, and limited access to essential medicines. The private sector is increasingly involved in tackling these issues, with HFN advocating for policies that promote Investment and improve service delivery. Ndili’s focus on policy reforms and digital technology aligns with global trends, where technology enhances efficiency and accessibility. However, achieving these goals will require overcoming regulatory barriers, securing sustainable funding, and ensuring rural communities benefit. Stronger collaboration between the government and private sector will be crucial for real progress.
Quality control will prevent curb substandard drugs circulation.
Moreover, Nigeria’s reliance on imported medical supplies leaves it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and currency fluctuations. Ndili’s push for zero tariffs on medical imports and local pharmaceutical production aligns with the government’s goal of a self-sufficient healthcare system. However, achieving this will require commitment from policymakers, healthcare providers, and investors. Tax incentives and Infrastructure investment could encourage local pharmaceutical production, but strict quality control is essential to prevent the circulation of substandard drugs that could undermine public trust.
Furthermore, healthcare financing remains a major challenge. While public-private partnerships improve service delivery, many Nigerians struggle with out-of-pocket expenses due to limited Insurance coverage. Expanding health insurance and introducing alternative funding sources could improve access to affordable care. Although the National Health Insurance Authority has made progress, challenges persist in enrolling informal workers and ensuring employer compliance. Without better funding mechanisms, even well-intended reforms may not significantly improve healthcare access. Raising awareness and providing incentives for insurance enrolment could help create a more inclusive system.
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As HFN enters a new phase under Ndili’s leadership, its impact will depend on turning advocacy into tangible reforms. Strengthening private-sector participation, fostering innovation, and ensuring policies lead to real healthcare improvements will be critical. The coming years will reveal whether this renewed focus on collaboration and investment leads to meaningful progress or if systemic inefficiencies continue to hinder the sector. Ndili’s success will ultimately be measured by improvements in healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality.