The Federal Government has expressed commitment to healthcare in Nigeria. In a statement yesterday by NHEA Secretariat, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through strategic reforms, improved infrastructure, expanded access to quality healthcare services and stronger collaboration with the private sector and development partners.

According to the statement, the minister spoke at the 2026 Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA) in Lagos. While commending the nominees, winners and the organisers of the award for their excellence, Salako described them as critical partners in the nation’s journey towards building a stronger and more resilient healthcare system.

NHEA celebrated the nation’s outstanding healthcare institutions, professionals and organisations at a colourful ceremony held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Apart from the minister, the event brought together top government officials, healthcare leaders, regulators, development partners, industry executives, healthcare professionals and nominees from across the country in a celebration of excellence, innovation and leadership in healthcare.

The minister commended the organisers of the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards for sustaining a credible platform that recognises and rewards excellence in the healthcare sector, noting that such recognition encourages healthy competition, innovation and continuous quality improvement.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the NHEA Advisory Board, Dr. Anthony Omolola, described the awards as more than a ceremony, but a celebration of the remarkable institutions and individuals whose dedication continues to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system despite prevailing challenges.

He noted that the awards have, for over a decade, promoted transparency, accountability and excellence through a rigorous evaluation process involving public nominations, voting, independent verification, industry research and assessments by an independent Jury and Advisory Board.

This year’s edition, themed “Innovation, Local Manufacturing and Digital Transformation,” recognised excellence across healthcare delivery, pharmaceuticals, biomedical technology, health insurance, diagnostics, media, and public health, with winners emerging after months of public nominations, voting, independent verification, auditing, industry performance assessments and extensive research.

Among the highlights of the evening were the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to Dr. Ladi Awosika, Sir Ike Onyechi, and Emeritus Professor Samuel Chukwunonyerem Ohaegbulam, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to healthcare development, medical practice, pharmacy, healthcare financing and leadership in Nigeria.
The evening also saw outstanding organisations recognised across more than thirty competitive categories.