President Bola Tinubu has greenlit a wave of appointments and reappointments to key positions within the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, signaling a robust push to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

In a bid to bolster the nation’s public health standards and ensure the delivery of accessible and high-quality healthcare, the appointments span across vital institutions under the ministry.

A Closer Look at the Appointments

1. NAFDAC: Dr. Mansur Kabir assumes the role of Board Chairperson, with Prof. Moji Adeyeye appointed as Chief Executive Officer.
2. NBSC: Prof. Abba Zubairu takes the helm as Board Chairperson, while Dr. Saleh Yuguda steps in as Chief Executive Officer.
3. MDCN: Prof. Afolabi Lesi chairs the board, with Dr. Fatima Kyari appointed as Chief Executive Officer.
4. PCN: Pharm. Wasilat Giwa leads as Board Chairperson, and Pharm. Ibrahim Ahmed serves as Chief Executive Officer.
5. MLSCN: Dr. Babajide Salako chairs the board, while Dr. Tosan Erhabor is appointed as Chief Executive Officer.
6. MAUTH, Yola: Prof. Adamu G. Bakari assumes the role of Chief Medical Director / CEO.
7. ISTH, Irrua: Prof. Reuben Eifediyi takes charge as Chief Medical Director / CEO.

Additionally, Dr. Olajide Idris, a former Lagos State Commissioner of Health and Yale University alumnus, is set to lead the NCDC as Director-General / CEO from February 19, 2024.

A Vision for Progress: Key Insights

According to the Presidents Special Adviser, these appointments reflect a meticulous selection process, considering the wealth of experience and expertise of each appointee. Notable figures include:

• Dr. Olajide Idris, known for his tenure as Lagos State Commissioner of Health and his academic achievements.
• Prof. Abba Zubairu, a distinguished medical professional with international experience.
• Dr. Fatima Kyari, a renowned ophthalmologist and esteemed Fellow of Nigeria Academy of Medicine.

President Tinubu envisions these appointments as a catalyst for transformative change within Nigeria’s healthcare sector, aligning with his administration’s overarching agenda. With a focus on addressing historical shortcomings, swift implementation of new policy frameworks is anticipated under the guidance of Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

Credit: Nairametrics