Healthcare Innovations, Capacity Building Key To Transforming Nigerian System, Says Dakuku Peterside

Dr. Dakuku Peterside, a former governorship aspirant, believes that consistent innovation in the healthcare sector, combined with strategic capacity-building initiatives, is critical to achieving quality, accessibility, affordability, and efficiency in the Nigerian healthcare system.

The turnaround expert and accomplished technocrat made the statement while serving as Chairman of the 2025 Afrihealth Conferences and Exhibitions, Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading private sector-led healthcare gathering, which took place recently in Lagos.

Yet another recognition

Dr. Peterside addressed a diverse audience of healthcare professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and allied service providers, emphasising the transformative power of ongoing advancements in the field.

“Consistent innovations enable data-driven decisions, allowing providers to predict outbreaks, tailor treatments, and ultimately improve patient outcomes,” he said.

“By leveraging technology and adopting new methodologies, we can significantly improve the quality and effectiveness of healthcare delivery throughout the country.”

The former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) praised the entrepreneurial spirit driving progress in the sector.

“Entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector are true problem solvers, taking on critical challenges and pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” he said, emphasising their critical role in developing innovative solutions to pressing healthcare needs.

Dr. Peterside also praised the AFRIHEALTH Development Foundation for developing an impactful platform that allows healthcare professionals to share their knowledge and ideas.

He acknowledged the often-overlooked hard work and dedication of Nigerian healthcare workers, emphasising the importance of recognising their contributions.

“It is a true honour to receive an award from the AFRIHEALTH Development Foundation for my contributions to healthcare advocacy over the years,” Dr. Peterside stated.

“This recognition means a lot to me and inspires me to be even more involved in improving our healthcare system.

The technocrat also praised the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of State, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for driving transformative changes in Nigeria’s health sector.

“The recent healthcare reforms, which have been recognised globally, give us hope for a bright future in Nigeria,” he stated.

“If we have the right leadership and technical capacity, Nigeria will one day be a medical tourism hub.”

He praised Dr. Pate’s efforts to establish Nigeria as a hub for local biologics, vaccines, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, emphasising the importance of this initiative in ensuring the population’s access to essential and high-quality medicines.

The Afrihealth Conferences and Exhibitions offered an extensive program of presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Among the distinguished speakers were Professor Felix Erondu, a well-known Radiography Professor, and Professor Lere Baale, CEO and Professor at Business School Netherlands Nigeria (BSNN).

Their expertise enriched the lively discussions about innovation, policy, and practical solutions for improving healthcare outcomes in Nigeria and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa.

The conference concluded with stakeholders renewing their commitment to prioritising innovation, capacity building, and collaborative efforts to create a more resilient and effective healthcare system for all Nigerians.

The consensus was that continued investment in these key areas is critical to achieving the nation’s vision of a healthier and more prosperous future.