The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) successfully held its Strategic Plan Launch and Annual Lecture Series on Friday, 6th February 2026, at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja under the Chairmanship of the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako. The high-level event brought together medical professionals, policymakers, development partners, and key stakeholders across the Nigerian health sector.
The programme was held under the theme:
“From Strategy to Impact: Repositioning the Nigerian Medical Association as the Catalyst for Health System Transformation (2026–2030).”
This theme underscored the NMA’s resolve to move beyond advocacy to structured, results-driven leadership in national health system reform.
The strategic plan was formally launched by Aare Afe Babalola, CON, OFR, SAN, Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, as Chief Launcher. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, mni, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), OSGF, who emphasized the importance of professional bodies in shaping policy, governance, and sustainable development within the health sector.
A major highlight of the event was the panel session titled:
“Medical Leadership Beyond the Hospital: Doctors as System Architects, Advocates and Nation Builders.”
The session featured robust discussions from distinguished panelists including Hon. Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs; Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, Chairman, House Committee on Health; Dr Folake Olomojobi, Head of Service, Ekiti State; Dr Mustapha Lecky, Chairman, Health Sector Reform Coalition; Prof. Bala Mohammad Audu, the NMA President and other respected voices in health leadership and governance.
At the core of the programme was the unveiling of the NMA Strategic Plan (2026–2030). The plan is a comprehensive and forward-looking document built around eight (8) thematic areas, articulated into twenty-four (24) strategic objectives and operationalised through seventy-two (72) clearly defined activities. These thematic areas collectively address professional welfare, health policy advocacy, leadership development, health system strengthening, ethics and professionalism, partnerships, organizational sustainability, and national development. The structure of the plan reflects a deliberate shift towards measurable impact, accountability, and alignment with national and global health priorities.
In their goodwill messages and closing remarks, speakers commended the clarity, ambition, and inclusiveness of the strategic plan, noting that it positions the NMA as a critical stakeholder not only in healthcare delivery but also in national policy discourse and development.
In conclusion, the successful launch of the NMA Strategic Plan and Annual Lecture Series marks a defining moment for the Association. Under the leadership of Prof. Bala Mohammad Audu, President of the Nigerian Medical Association, the NMA has demonstrably revived and renewed its commitment to purposeful leadership, professional unity, and championing positive national change. The 2026–2030 Strategic Plan stands as a clear roadmap for transforming intent into impact and reaffirming the NMA’s role as a catalyst for Nigeria’s health system and broader national development.