By Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to improving eye health outcomes in the country through strengthened leadership, strategic collaboration, and sustained partnerships. This commitment was restated at the 4th National Eye Health Coordination Meeting held in Abuja from May 27 to 28, 2025. The meeting brought together stakeholders from across the country, including representatives from all 36 states, international partners, and civil society organizations, to strengthen partnerships and improve eye health outcomes in Nigeria.
Dr. Paul Ntadom, Director of Public Health Department, emphasized the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to drive equitable access to eye care and highlighted the importance of visionary leadership in setting bold goals and mobilizing resources. “Leadership is not just about position, it’s about vision, action, and impact,” he said. This statement underscores the critical role that effective leadership plays in shaping the future of eye health in Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by prominent stakeholders, including Dr. Okolo Oteri, Director and National Coordinator of the National Eye Health Programme (NEHP), who reaffirmed the ministry’s mission to deliver quality eye care services that are accessible throughout an individual’s life course. “This platform is not just a meeting, it is a movement,” she said, emphasizing the collective effort to improve eye health in Nigeria. This sentiment was echoed by international partners, including Sightsavers, VisionSpring, CBM International, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, who commended the Federal Government’s efforts to improve eye health in Nigeria.
One of the notable success stories shared during the meeting was the progress made in Gombe State, which has trained 231 primary healthcare workers and distributed over 31,000 reading glasses through the “Jiggy Bola” initiative. Dr. Sam Bodawa, Desk Officer for Eye Health in Gombe State, noted that the partnership with NEHP has had a significant impact on eye care in the state. “People who once depended on traditional healers now have trained health workers nearby. That’s a real impact,” he said. This initiative has not only improved access to eye care services but also underscored the importance of community-based interventions in addressing eye health challenges.
The meeting highlighted the progress made in improving eye health in Nigeria and the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving universal access to quality eye care in Nigeria by 2030, in alignment with national and global health targets. To achieve this goal, the government plans to strengthen partnerships, increase funding, improve data collection, and enhance workforce capacity. Dr. Joshua Ibenu, speaking on behalf of the Country Director of Sightsavers, praised the government’s willingness to include private sector stakeholders in eye health initiatives, noting that this collaborative approach would be critical in driving progress.
Through this collective effort, the Federal Government, stakeholders, and partners aim to ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality eye care and contributes to national and global health goals. The 4th National Eye Health Coordination Meeting served as a pivotal platform for sharing best practices, identifying challenges, and charting a path forward for improving eye health outcomes in Nigeria. As the country moves forward, it is clear that a sustained commitment to eye health will be essential in achieving a future where every Nigerian enjoys optimal eye health and well-being.
