Health & Education

In February 2017 the Nigerian government approved the second National Strategic Health Development Plan. The policy “lays emphasis on primary health care… in addition to the provision of financial risk protection to all Nigerians”. It also aims to fast-track the operationalisation of the 2014 National Health Bill, which overhauled the organisation and funding of the health care system and allowed private sector participation to expand. At a time when the government’s budget is shrinking, the private sector has emerged as a crucial player in the country’s bid to improve efficiency as well as access to health care services. With 43% of its 189m citizens under the age of 15, Nigeria is a young country on the cusp of a major demographic shift. Significant reforms are required to the education system if the nation’s youth are to find a place in the workforce. As the population continues to grow, pressure on public services, including education, will increase. Without further reform, the public school system is likely to come under severe stress. The administration is aware of the challenges and has implemented policies to improve both primary education and university-level instruction. As such, there are significant opportunities for further investment and development from the primary to the tertiary segment.

This chapter contains an interview with Mark Wagstaff, Country Manager West Africa, Pfizer.