A former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has stated that consistent innovations in the healthcare sector, combined with capacity building, will drive the quality, accessibility, affordability, and efficiency of healthcare systems.

Peterside stated this as the Chairman of the 2025 Afrihealth Conferences and Exhibitions, a private sector-led healthcare conference held in Lagos.

Dakuku explained that consistent innovations would also help enable data-driven decisions, whilst helping providers predict outbreaks, tailor treatments, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

He commended entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector, describing them as true problem solvers who tackle critical challenges and push the boundaries of what is possible.

He said, “I want to give a special appreciation to the AFRIHEALTH Development Foundation for creating this amazing platform that brings together health professionals and allied service providers from all corners to share knowledge and exchange ideas.

“I also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, who too often have their contributions go unnoticed.

“It is a real honour to receive an award from the AFRIHEALTH Development Foundation, recognising my efforts in healthcare advocacy over the years. This recognition means a lot to me and motivates me to stay even more engaged in advancing our healthcare system.”

Peterside commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, and his Minister of State counterpart, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for demonstrating exceptional leadership in transforming Nigeria’s health sector.

He said, “The recent reforms in the healthcare sector, which have been recognised globally, give us hope of a bright future for Nigeria. I have faith that one day Nigeria will be a hub for medical tourism, if we get leadership and technical capacity right.”

He particularly highlighted Dr. Pate’s efforts to make Nigeria a hub for the local manufacturing of biologics, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals, thereby ensuring better access to essential and high-quality medicines.