By Fatima Saka
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has announced plans to expand its flagship eye care programme, Jigi-Bola Initiative, to reach at least five million Nigerians, reaffirming its commitment to universal access to quality eye care services nationwide.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this on Thursday while declaring open the 49th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and the Annual General Meeting of the African Council of Optometry (AFCO) in Abuja.
According to a press statement signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, the minister highlighted on theme, “Optometrists in a Changing Africa: From Diversity to Unity,” Salako described it as a timely call for enhanced collaboration among eye care professionals across the continent to address growing vision health challenges.
He emphasised that under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, eye health is no longer treated as an afterthought, noting that the government has prioritised primary eye care and prevention of avoidable blindness through strategic investments and policies.
Highlighting progress under the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024–2028), the Minister said the government has integrated eye care services across all levels of healthcare, launched the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit, and trained ophthalmologists across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to strengthen glaucoma management.
Salako further revealed that under the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative, also known as Jigi-Bola 2.0, over 2,220 primary healthcare workers in 16 states have been trained to conduct vision screening and make appropriate referrals.
He added that the programme’s mobile eye care component has already screened nearly two million Nigerians and distributed more than 1.3 million free reading glasses, with about 66 per cent of beneficiaries receiving spectacles for the first time.
According to him, the initiative will be scaled up under the Renewed Hope Health Connect Programme to deliver at least five million free spectacles and 25,000 cataract surgeries by 2027.
The Minister underscored the economic and social benefits of investing in eye care, noting that global studies indicate a return of between 28 and 36 dollars for every one dollar invested due to improved productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced quality of life.
Commending Nigerian optometrists for their dedication, Salako described them as critical frontline providers in community eye health, bridging the gap between primary screening and specialised care.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Optometric Association to expand community-based programmes, promote research, and deepen integration of optometric services into the national health system.
Salako also congratulated the association for securing the headquarters of the African Council of Optometry in Nigeria and producing the President-elect of the continental body, describing the feat as a significant milestone for the profession.
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He urged practitioners to maintain professional excellence, mentor younger colleagues, and partner with government to achieve universal access to quality eye care.
Declaring the conference open, the Minister expressed optimism that the gathering would generate practical solutions to bridge gaps in the prevention and treatment of vision loss across Nigeria and Africa.
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