President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for a comprehensive overhaul of the health sector.
News About Nigeria reports that this was contained in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesman.
The establishment of the Sector-wide Coordinating Office-Programme Management Unit (SCO-PMU) is a bold move aimed at ensuring the effective, transparent, and accountable management of external funds allocated for the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
Ngelale said SCO-PMU, nestled within the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, will serve as the nerve centre for the NHSRII, overseeing programme management, monitoring, and evaluation.
The statement added that the newly formed unit will be responsible for engaging independent verification agents, managing fiduciary responsibilities, and ensuring seamless coordination among stakeholders.
A high-powered steering committee, chaired by the Minister of Health, will provide strategic guidance to SCO-PMU.
This committee comprises representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and development partners, ensuring a collaborative approach to driving healthcare reforms.
At the helm of SCO-PMU is Dr. Muntaqa Umar Sadiq, a seasoned expert with over 17 years of experience spanning public health, impact investing, investment banking, energy, and climate financing.
His impressive credentials include stints as Head of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, CEO of the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, and Private Sector Engagement Adviser at the World Bank.
With a strong academic background, including an M.Phil. in Bioscience Enterprise from the University of Cambridge and an MBBS degree from Imperial College, London, Dr. Sadiq is well-equipped to lead SCO-PMU. Currently pursuing a doctoral degree in public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
The NHSRII has already secured $2.2 billion in external financing, courtesy of commitments from various development partners.
