The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has hailed the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy as a significant milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja during the Inaugural Quarterly Performance Dialogue with State Commissioners of Health, Pate emphasized the judgment’s potential to transform healthcare delivery in the country. On July 11, the Supreme Court ruled that all Local Government Area allocations must be paid directly into their accounts.
The legal battle began on May 24 when Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on behalf of the Federal Government, brought a case against the 36 state governors before the Supreme Court. The lawsuit sought full autonomy for local governments, positioning them as independent tiers of government.
Pate highlighted that local government autonomy could align all levels of government towards a unified approach to healthcare delivery. He stated, “This fund will be managed by the state but with an agreement of the local governments to implement fully the Primary Health Care under one roof.”
He noted that local governments, being closer to the people, can work effectively with state governments, while the Federal Government coordinates all efforts. Reflecting on the past, Pate pointed out that before 2011, primary healthcare responsibilities were fragmented between the states, leading to poor performance in areas like immunization and maternal health outcomes.
To address this fragmentation, the National Council of Health in 2011 approved the PHC under one roof policy, which led to the creation of State PHC delivery agencies to streamline efforts among the Federal Government, states, and local governments.
Pate stressed the importance of cooperative federalism, where all levels of government and development partners work together, raising grant resources and providing incentives for state contributions. He stated, “With this development, even LGs will be required to step up and we will measure each other’s performance and Nigerians should be able to tell which state, which LG is doing its part.”
He also noted that the Supreme Court’s judgment encourages authorities to collaborate effectively to govern a complex health system with shared responsibilities. “So how does each level do what it needs to do and be held accountable and respond to the needs of Nigerians?” Pate questioned.
Pate reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the health of mothers, children, and the most vulnerable in society, ensuring continued progress in the healthcare sector.
