The Ministry is mandated to develop and implement national health policies, ensure quality health services, regulate health institutions and professionals, and promote social welfare for all Nigerians. It plays a central role in advancing Universal Health Coverage, health security, and equitable access to healthcare.

The 4-Point Agenda focuses on:

• Improving governance and leadership in the health sector
• Enhancing population health outcomes
• Unlocking the healthcare value chain
• Strengthening health security and resilience

These pillars guide all policies, programs, and interventions of the Ministry.

The Ministry aligns its programs with the Renewed Hope Agenda by reforming federal tertiary hospitals, boosting primary healthcare services, expanding health insurance coverage, reducing out-of-pocket expenses, and investing in digital health and infrastructure.

You can use the "Facility Finder" tool on our website or call our helpline to locate the nearest federal or state health facility, including primary health care centers, teaching hospitals, and specialist hospitals.

Federal Tertiary Hospitals provide specialized services including surgery, internal medicine, oncology, infectious disease management, maternal and child health, and diagnostic care. They also serve as referral and training centers for healthcare professionals.

Patients are encouraged to report their experiences through the Ministry's Patient Feedback Portal or by contacting the Health Service Complaint Desk. All feedback is treated confidentially and investigated promptly.

Patients have the right to:

• Dignified and respectful care
• Informed consent
• Privacy and confidentiality
• Timely emergency treatment
• Redress and feedback mechanisms

These are protected under Nigeria's health laws and guidelines.

Through public awareness campaigns, feedback systems, community engagement, and the introduction of a patient charter, the Ministry is ensuring patients are informed, respected, and empowered within the healthcare system.

Visit the NHIA website or your nearest NHIA office to enroll. You'll need a valid ID, biometric data, and to choose a registered healthcare provider. Some categories are covered under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

Yes. Certain services such as maternal and child health, vaccinations, tuberculosis treatment, HIV treatment and some emergency services are available free under public health programs or through subsidized insurance schemes.

Contact your nearest health facility or call the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) emergency number. Avoid self-medication and follow official health advisories.

The Ministry works through its Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Department and agencies like the NCDC to coordinate quick interventions, deploy medical teams, distribute supplies, and communicate timely information to the public.

SWAp is a coordinated investment strategy that ensures all donor, federal, and state resources are aligned toward a single national health plan, reducing duplication and increasing efficiency.

NHSRII is a major reform initiative launched to drive infrastructure upgrades, human resource investment, data-driven systems, and better governance across Nigeria's health sector.

Yes. Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers entering or leaving Nigeria. Proof must be provided using a valid Yellow Card.

You can get a Yellow Card at officially designated Port Health Services offices in Nigeria. Before your visit, you must register and pay online at https://yellowcard.health.gov.ng.

You can verify your Yellow Card by visiting the official Yellow Card portal and entering your details or scanning the QR code on the card.

Travelers are subject to health declaration, temperature checks, visual screening for symptoms, and may be referred for medical evaluation if deemed necessary.

Quarantine is only required for travelers showing signs of illness or arriving from countries with known public health risks. Guidelines are based on current health advisories from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and global standards.

Operators are required to:

• Submit health declarations for passengers
• Report ill travelers to Port Health officers
• Maintain sanitary conditions on board
• Obtain valid Ship Sanitation Certificates (for maritime vessels)

A Ship Sanitation Certificate confirms a vessel is free from health risks. It is issued by Port Health Services following inspection and is valid for six months.

The IHR 2005 is a global legal framework developed by the World Health Organization to ensure international cooperation in preventing the spread of diseases. Nigeria, through Port Health, implements IHR by maintaining surveillance, response readiness, and public health safety measures at entry points.

A waiver is special approval issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the repatriation or air transport of human remains, especially in circumstances where standard requirements (e.g., embalming, documentation) cannot be met due to exceptional reasons.

Applications may be made by:

• The deceased's next of kin
• A legal representative
• A licensed funeral home or airline operator, on behalf of the family

Required documents typically include:

• Death certificate (issued by a recognized authority)
• Medical cause of death
• Passport bio-data page of the deceased
• Letter of request stating reason for waiver
• Next of kin identification
• Flight itinerary and funeral home details (if applicable)

Requests must be addressed to the Director of Port Health Services, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and submitted in person or via official ministry email. In urgent cases, contact the Port Health Division directly at your point of entry.

Waiver requests are typically processed within 48–72 hours, depending on completeness of documentation and urgency.

Only if all standard repatriation protocols are met such as embalming certification, sealed coffin verification, and international death certificate. Otherwise, a waiver is mandatory.

A Statement of Need is an official letter issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to eligible Nigerian-trained medical doctors intending to pursue residency (postgraduate medical training) abroad. It affirms that their chosen specialty is needed in Nigeria.

Most countries, including the United States and Canada, require this document as proof that the applicant will return to serve in their home country upon completing their training.

Applicants must:

• Be Nigerian citizens
• Hold a recognized medical degree
• Have full registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
• Show evidence of acceptance into a recognized residency program abroad

Applicants are to submit:

• Application letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Health and Social Welfare (Stating programme, duration and assurance to return to the country upon completion of programme)
• Photocopy of MDCN full license
• Copy of medical degree certificate/ Diploma Certificate/Statement of Result
• Offer Letter of admission into the programme/contract of appointment (preferably offer letter) ECFMG Certificate
• Letter of attestation (with ID) from a Nigerian Civil Service Officer on GL 14 and above or its equivalent from the private sector
• International passport Biodata page
• NYSC Certificate (Not applicable if yet to serve)
• Receipt of Remitta payment of (₦5,000) paid through FGN Remitta platform

Processing takes approximately 2–4 weeks, depending on the completeness of submitted documentation.

Currently, applications are submitted physically to the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Abuja. Online processing may be introduced in the future.

No. The SoN is only one requirement among several. Admission and visa approval are determined by the foreign training institution and consular authorities.