The Role and Impact of the National Council on Health in Strengthening Nigeria’s Health System: A Policy Review

Background: The National Council on Health functions as Nigeria’s supreme health policy-making authority, promoting coordination across different levels in policy development and implementation. The NCH annual meeting includes technical sessions to review health-related memoranda and formal council meetings to make decisions on policies and guidelines for the health sector. This paper examines the structure, roles, and contributions of the National Council on Health based on communiqués, meeting records, and strategic health policy documents from 2014 to 2024. Methodology: A descriptive review of the National Council on Health history and resolutions from 2014 to 2024. Findings: Key findings reveal the National Council on Health’s pivotal role in promoting Universal Health Coverage, institutionalizing key reforms, and fostering intergovernmental collaboration. However, gaps remain in translating resolutions to actionable outcomes across States. Conclusion: This review recommends strengthening accountability mechanisms, enhancing state participation, and leveraging digital health tools for effective policy tracking.