By Kingsley Agim
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 Nigeriaโs highest health policy-making body.
The event is scheduled to hold 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 yearโs council meeting, themed โMy Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience, and Innovation,โ 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 statesโ health institutions.
Governor Bassey Edet Otu, through the Commissioner for Health and Chairman of the NCH Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, extended a warm welcome to the ministers and delegates, describing the event as a โhistoric opportunity for Cross River to showcase its leadership in health system transformation and its commitment to the wellbeing of Nigerians.โ
โWe are honoured to host this important gathering in the paradise city of Calabar,โ the government representative said. โCross River remains deeply committed to advancing quality healthcare, building resilience, and ensuring that every citizen enjoys the right to good health.โ
Dr. Ayuk reaffirmed the stateโs preparedness, noting that extensive logistical and technical arrangements have been made to ensure a successful and memorable hosting.
โThis 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,โ he said. โWeโre 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.โ
He further explained that the councilโs deliberations would play a pivotal role in shaping the implementation of Nigeriaโs National Health Policy and in defining new strategies to improve health outcomes, particularly in primary healthcare, health workforce and health financing reforms.
Dr. Ayuk also encouraged residents and stakeholders to display the renowned warmth and hospitality that Calabar is known for.
โCome and experience the beauty, the culture, and the sweetness of Cross River, where health meets happiness and innovation drives progress,โ he said.
He concluded with optimism, saying, โSee you in Calabar. Together, we will strengthen our health system and reaffirm that every Nigerianโs health is their right.โ
The National Council on Health, established under the National Health Act, serves as the apex policy-making body for Nigeriaโs 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.
