By Kingsley Agim
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Government has expressed its readiness to host the 66th National Council on Health (NCH) in Calabar, marking the first time the state will welcome Nigeria’s highest health policy-making body.
The event is scheduled to be held from November 17 to 21, 2025, at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), and will bring together the health ministers and commissioners, policymakers, partners and key stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
This year’s council meeting, themed “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience, and Innovation,” will focus on strengthening the national health system, promoting health equity, and advancing innovation across all levels of care.
The Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, will attend, alongside top officials from federal and state health institutions.
Governor Bassey Edet Otu, through the Commissioner for Health and Chairman of the NCH Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, extended a warm welcome to the ministers and delegates, describing the event as a “historic opportunity for Cross River to showcase its leadership in health system transformation and its commitment to the well-being of Nigerians.”
“We are honoured to host this important gathering in the paradise city of Calabar,” the government representative said. “Cross River remains deeply committed to advancing quality healthcare, building resilience, and ensuring that every citizen enjoys the right to good health.”
Dr Ayuk reaffirmed the state’s preparedness, noting that extensive logistical and technical arrangements have been made to ensure a successful and memorable hosting.
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“This is the first time the National Council on Health will be held in Cross River, and we are determined to make it a landmark event,” he said. “We’re ready to welcome delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to engage in meaningful dialogue on health equity, innovation, and universal health coverage.”
He further explained that the council’s deliberations would play a pivotal role in shaping the implementation of Nigeria’s National Health Policy and in defining new strategies to improve health outcomes, particularly through reforms in primary healthcare, the health workforce, and health financing.
Dr Ayuk also encouraged residents and stakeholders to showcase the renowned warmth and hospitality for which Calabar is known.
“Come and experience the beauty, the culture, and the sweetness of Cross River, where health meets happiness and innovation drives progress,” he said.
He concluded with optimism, saying, “See you in Calabar. Together, we will strengthen our health system and reaffirm that every Nigerian’s health is their right.”
The National Council on Health, established under the National Health Act, serves as the apex policy-making body for Nigeria’s health sector. Its annual meetings provide a platform for the federal and state governments to align health strategies, share best practices, and agree on key policy directions to improve service delivery across the country.
