By Abasi Ita,Calabar
Preparations are in top gear following the Federal Government’s approval for the hosting of the 66th National Council on Health (NCH) in Calabar, Cross River State.
The high-profile summit, scheduled to take place from November 17 to 21, 2025, marks the first time the state will host Nigeria’s highest policy-making forum on health.
To demonstrate its commitment, the Federal Government has formally approved the theme and sub-themes for the 66th National Council on Health. The main theme, “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience and Innovation,” is designed to guide national discussions on improving healthcare access and quality across the country.
The sub-themes will focus on sustainable health financing and domestic resource mobilization, strategies for developing and retaining a skilled health workforce, and the use of technology and data to enhance service delivery and evidence-based decision-making in the sector.
Announcing the development to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, said the approval followed a productive meeting with Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Federal Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
He described the Federal Government’s approval as a major milestone that sets the stage for a robust national dialogue on the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Dr. Ayuk expressed confidence that the Calabar meeting would be one of the most impactful in recent years, noting that the state has already commenced early preparations to ensure a seamless and world-class hosting experience.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Cross River State Government under Governor Bassey Otu to partner with the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to deliver a successful and outcome-driven event.
The National Council on Health remains Nigeria’s apex health policy body, comprising the Federal Minister of Health, all State Commissioners for Health, heads of key agencies, and development partners. The Council meets annually to review policies, deliberate on emerging challenges, and adopt resolutions that shape health programmes and national priorities.