As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, experts and stakeholders have called for stronger investment in healthcare, better management of petroleum resources and economic policies that improve citizens’ living conditions.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Prof. Olayinka Atilola, said rising inflation, fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation had increased the cost of healthcare.
He said higher prices of medicines, equipment, energy and other services had placed pressure on public hospitals, while poor remuneration continued to drive healthcare professionals abroad.
Atilola called for greater public financing of healthcare, including increased funding for health insurance and improved remuneration to retain medical workers.
Similarly, the NMA Chairman in Oyo State, Dr Olufemi Aworinde, urged the government to make primary healthcare centres fully functional by providing adequate personnel, medicines, diagnostic equipment, electricity, water and referral systems.
He also called for better maternal and child healthcare, emergency services and policies based on reliable health data.
However, President of the Association of Resident Doctors, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Dr Uthman Adedeji, highlighted recent government investments in the sector.
Adedeji cited the revitalization of nearly 3,000 primary healthcare centres, free emergency obstetric care, vaccination programmes, new medical infrastructure and the deployment of ambulances and emergency response facilities.
He urged the government to sustain health financing, improve healthcare workers’ remuneration and strengthen pharmaceutical production to reduce drug costs.
Experts have also called for more effective management and utilization of Nigeria’s oil wealth, urging the government to channel revenues from the sector into sustainable economic development, infrastructure and human capital.
Prof. Wumi Iledare, Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics at Louisiana State University, said Nigeria had developed significant technical capacity since oil was discovered at Oloibiri in 1956 but had yet to fully convert its petroleum resources into economic and social value.
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He identified declining investment, crude oil theft, insecurity, high operating costs and regulatory challenges as major obstacles to the sector.
Iledare also called for greater investment in gas processing and infrastructure, as well as an end to routine gas flaring.
Economic expert Dr Aliyu Illias said Nigeria had failed to develop sufficient refining and petrochemical capacity despite decades of oil production.
He urged the country to use oil revenues to develop other sectors and reduce dependence on petroleum as the global energy transition continues.
Political analyst Jide Ojo cited the restructuring of NNPC into NNPC Ltd., the development of the Dangote Refinery and expansion of CNG as notable developments in the sector.
He, however, said challenges including oil theft, illegal refining, pipeline vandalism, corruption and environmental damage in oil-producing communities remained.
The Concerned Nation Initiative, CNI, urged the government to ensure that economic reforms translate into improved household welfare.
Its Coordinator, Ladi Kassim, called for measures to reduce food production and transportation costs, support manufacturers and small businesses, improve electricity supply and expand access to affordable credit.
He also urged greater investment in education, healthcare, skills development and social intervention programmes.
“Prosperity must be measured not only by the size of the economy but also by the quality of life, dignity and opportunities available to Nigerians,” he said.
In her Independence Day message, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called for greater unity among Nigerians, urging citizens to work together in the interest of national development and a stronger society.
She urged Nigerians to promote unity, peace, tolerance and patriotism as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
She described Nigeria’s diversity as an important national asset and called on citizens to work together towards building a better country. She also prayed for peace, prosperity and progress for Nigeria and its citizens.
NAN
