Maryam Aminu
There’s a quiet revolution happening in Nigeria’s healthcare sector one driven not by competition, but by collaboration.
At the heart of it is Dr. Yemi Ajao, the visionary CEO of OneBarrow International Ltd, who believes that true health equity is possible only when everyone government, private sector, and communities works together.
Speaking at the 2025 Health Equity Conference in Abuja, themed “From Access to Impact: Advancing the National Agenda for Equitable Healthcare,” Dr. Ajao delivered a passionate call for unity, urging policymakers and practitioners to rethink how healthcare is delivered and financed.
“Care delivery in Nigeria remains uneven. Many people in rural communities lack access to essential services, while even in urban areas, some cannot afford the care they deserve,” he said, his tone both earnest and reflective.
His words cut to the core of Nigeria’s health dilemma a system where policy often outpaces implementation, and access does not always translate to impact. But Ajao’s message was clear: the nation can no longer afford fragmented action.
“You see a pharmacy, a clinic, or a lab how do you know they are licensed to offer those services? Many Nigerians are at the mercy of an unregulated system,” he warned, underscoring the need for stronger oversight and public awareness.
The conference brought together policymakers, health regulators, and corporate leaders to share ideas on how to make healthcare not just more accessible, but more effective. What emerged from their discussions was more than a policy document it was a shared vision.
In a joint communiqué, the 13 Health Regulatory Councils of Nigeria, alongside private sector partners and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing equitable healthcare. They pledged to strengthen professional standards, improve access to diagnostics, integrate digital health systems, and ensure that preventive care and environmental health receive greater attention.
Dr. Donald Ofili, Acting Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, summed up the collective mood succinctly:
“Equity in healthcare is not a slogan it’s a shared responsibility. We must speak with one voice to achieve it.”
As the event closed, Dr. Ajao reflected on what lies ahead. The upcoming 2026 Health Equity Co-Design Conference, he said, will go even deeper creating space for shared innovation, data-driven accountability, and a unified monitoring framework to measure progress.
For Ajao, this movement is not just about systems; it’s about people. “We want Nigerians to understand the risks, limitations, and resources required to ensure safe and accessible healthcare,” he said.
The 2025 Health Equity Conference may be over, but its message resonates still a call to transform Nigeria’s healthcare narrative from access to impact, one partnership at a time
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