Experts ask Nigeria to strengthen Patient Safety oversight
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Patient Safety Africa requested that Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare upgrade its Patient Safety Desk to a full Directorate of Patient Safety and Clinical Governance.
The organisation, led by President Prof. Asekhame Sonny Isemede, presented this request to Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate and Minister of State Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako during its 2026 World Patient Safety Day address.
Isemede also consults with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom and advises England’s Care Quality Commission. The organisation believes this change would build on recent improvements in clinical governance and quality improvement within Nigeria’s healthcare system. Since 2022, Patient Safety Africa has partnered with the ministry to train healthcare workers in both public and private sectors, and these professionals are now presenting their work at international conferences.
Isemede also called for healthcare leadership that includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other professionals, and for career advancement based on merit. He urged the Nigerian government to invest in digital healthcare solutions like electronic medical records and telemedicine, and to improve energy reliability in hospitals with systems like solar power. He welcomed the government’s work to create the National Health Facility Regulatory Agency, which he believes will improve standards and public trust.
Patient Safety Africa shared its address with health officials in all 36 Nigerian states, task forces, hospital directors, and partner organisations, reaffirming its dedication to improving Nigeria’s healthcare system.
