The opening day of the 10th Nigeria Implementation Science Alliance (NISA) Conference was marked by one of its most engaging sessions yet as Dr. Adaeze Oreh moderated the panel discussion on “Innovation in Policy and Reform for Sustainable Growth through Local Action: From Investment to Impact.” Since its introduction two years ago, the session has become a conference highlight, drawing keen interest from policymakers, practitioners, and health advocates.
Dr. Oreh was joined by a distinguished line-up of state health commissioners: Dr. Muhammad Lawan Gana, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Yobe State; Dr. Marcellina Tomi Coker, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Ogun State; and Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, Honourable Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Niger State. Together, they shared practical and inspiring insights from their states, covering pharmaceuticals and essential medicines, human resources for health, maternal and child health, primary healthcare infrastructure, and sustainable health financing.
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One of the most notable achievements revealed during the session was that Yobe, Ogun, Niger, and Rivers States collectively added more than 9,000 new health workers in the past year. Dr. Oreh described this as a remarkable commitment to strengthening health systems and a clear demonstration that better health for all is possible when states prioritize workforce expansion. She observed that the recruitment drive is not only closing critical gaps in underserved communities but also pushing Nigeria closer to its Universal Health Coverage goals.
The session was further enriched by audience participation, with delegates asking thoughtful questions on the need for process evaluation and documentation of lessons learned. Dr. Oreh stressed the importance of learning not only from successes but also from failed initiatives. “Sometimes the projects that don’t work provide the most valuable lessons for improvement,” she noted, underscoring the role of implementation science in refining health reforms.
Known for her engaging and lighthearted moderation style, Dr. Oreh had earlier joked that she might “blow a gasket” if the audience failed to engage. By the end of the session, however, she was visibly pleased with the lively interaction. “I am glad to report that the audience gave me no reason to blow a gasket. My work was done!” she quipped to laughter and applause.
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The discussion echoed the conference theme of translating investment into impact, with participants agreeing that local innovations remain central to driving national reform. From expanded maternal health interventions to improved supply chains and stronger primary healthcare centers, the commissioners highlighted how evidence-based approaches are producing measurable results.
As the panel concluded, Dr. Oreh reminded participants that while the journey from investment to impact is not without challenges, it is both possible and achievable when states commit to sustained innovation and local action. “Better health for all is possible when states commit to workforce expansion,” she affirmed, reinforcing the session’s central message that human resources remain the backbone of Nigeria’s health system.
The NISA Conference continues through the week, offering a platform for dialogue and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and health leaders
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