NATIONAL COUNCIL ON HEALTH
Act · Health
An Act establishes the National Council on Health as the highest body for setting national health policies and approving plans. It targets the Minister of Health, state commissioners, and federal-state health ministries. This ensures coordinated governance and accountability in Nigeria's health system.
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON HEALTH
What Is This Policy?
The highest health policy body in Nigeria, chaired by the Minister of Health and comprising all state health commissioners, which sets national health policy direction, approves national health plans, and coordinates federal-state health governance.
Who Does It Target?
Federal Minister of Health (chairperson) All 36 state Commissioners of Health and FCT Federal and state health ministries National and international health stakeholders
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Provide strategic leadership for Nigeria's health system, coordinate federal-state health governance, approve national health policies and plans, and ensure accountability for health system performance.
Key Features
Policy Leadership: The NCH sets the strategic direction for Nigeria's health system through approved national health policies. Federal-State Coordination: Brings together federal and state health leadership to coordinate national health priorities. Plan Approval: NCH approves the National Strategic Health Development Plan and other major health plans. Accountability: Reviews progress reports on implementation of health policies and plans.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active — NCH meets annually and for special sessions Coverage: Nationwide health governance Beneficiaries: All Nigerians through improved health governance Funding: Federal Ministry of Health
How to Access
NCH is composed of government officials — not open to public membership Resolutions and communiqués from NCH meetings are publicly available Civil society may engage through consultation processes prior to NCH meetings Application method: Access NCH communiqués at https://www.health.gov.ng
Important Terms
NCH resolutions are binding on state health ministries as members The NCH is the primary mechanism for federal-state health policy coordination Technical Health Committees prepare issues for NCH consideration
Official Resources
Website: https://www.health.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Health
Legal Framework
Established under the National Health Act 2014 and the Federal Ministry of Health administrative framework. Operates under Section 17(3)(c) of the 1999 Constitution on health objectives, the National Health Policy, and the Inter-Governmental Coordination framework of the Nigerian federalism structure.