Nigeria Upgrades 3,000 PHCs, Retrains 78,000 Health Workers

Nigeria is making significant strides in bolstering its primary healthcare system, a critical component of national well-being. Recent reports indicate that around 3,000 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) have undergone substantial upgrades, complemented by the retraining of over 78,000 frontline health workers. This comprehensive overhaul is spearheaded by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at consolidation and expansion of healthcare services.

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This year 2026 is a year of consolidation, it’s a year of scaling up and ensuring that we get meaningful and measurable impact of the key reforms and initiatives.

Executive Director of NPHCDA, Muyi Aina, highlighted that 2026 is a pivotal year for scaling up these initiatives and ensuring measurable impact. The PHC revitalization program, a cornerstone of these reforms, has seen work commence in over 4,113 centers. These upgrades extend beyond mere renovations, encompassing improvements in infrastructure quality, such as better buildings, roofing, and security, as well as enhanced welfare conditions for health workers, including accommodation.

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In the last two years thereabout that we started this, we have commenced work in over 4,113 PHCs.

Crucially, the reforms have demonstrably improved the functionality of healthcare facilities nationwide. Aina reported a 59% increase in the functionality of Level 2 PHCs since March 2026, compared to two years prior. Currently, over half of Nigeria's PHCs, approximately 53%, are functional at either Level 1 or Level 2. The agency has also prioritized essential amenities like electricity and water, with significant investments in solar power systems and the expansion of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services across facilities.

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The buildings are better quality, the roofs are there, security is there, and the vast majority of them have accommodation for health workers.

In terms of human resources, the retraining of frontline health workers is a key focus. Out of a target of 120,000 workers, over 78,000 have already completed their training. This concerted effort underscores Nigeria's commitment to building a robust and responsive primary healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of its population.

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We have increased the functional level two PHCs by 59 per cent since March of 2026, when you compare to just two years ago when this journey actually started.