Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare receiving the report of the Committee on Establishment of National Healthcare Facility Regulatory Agency NHFRA; from Dr. Richardson Ajayi Chairman of the Committee
The Federal Government has assured that it will study and implement the reports and recommendations of the Committee on the Establishment of the National Healthcare Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA).
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this assurance upon receiving the committee’s report at the Ministry. The committee was mandated to develop a framework for establishing NHFRA.
This was disclosed in a press statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, on Thursday.
During the official presentation of the report, the Minister emphasized the importance of the proposed agency, highlighting the government’s recognition of the need for an independent body to address existing gaps in healthcare standards and quality.
Dr. Salako reassured professional bodies in the health sector that NHFRA is not being established to undermine any professional leadership or replace the functions of existing regulatory bodies.
“The primary objective is to define clear standards of practice in the country and create a body that can support states in their regulatory activities. States are already responsible for registering and monitoring healthcare facilities to ensure compliance with regulations,” he stated.
He further assured the committee members that their recommendations would not be ignored. “Let me assure you that these reports and recommendations will not gather dust on the shelves. We are committed to activating them to enhance the healthcare sector in our country.”
Earlier, Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, mni, described NHFRA as a timely and visionary initiative to bridge longstanding regulatory gaps in both public and private healthcare facilities across the country.
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Represented by Pharmacist Olubunmi Aribeana, Director of the Food & Drugs Department, she commended the committee, led by Dr. Richardson Ajayi, for its diligent work since September 2024. The committee’s efforts culminated in a comprehensive report, which includes a draft establishment bill, a resource mobilization plan, and an implementation strategy.
Presenting the report, Dr. Richardson Ajayi affirmed that the proposed regulatory agency aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring that all healthcare facilities meet fundamental standards of care.
