The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, and supported by the Gates Foundation, has announced the third edition of the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Awards, scheduled for today.

According to a statement issued by NGF's Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi, with a total award fund of $6.1million, the PHC Leadership Challenge financially incentivises state governors to enhance the delivery and governance of primary health care services across Nigeria. The winning states will reinvest their prize money directly into strengthening their PHC systems, creating a sustainable cycle of health sector improvement.

Rooted in the 2019 Seattle Declaration, the initiative fosters accountability, stronger governance, and improved financing at the state level. The awards will honour 13 states: two winners from each of Nigeria's six geopolitical zones for Best Performing and Most Improved States, alongside one national overall best-performing state.

The selection process employs a rigorous Performance Monitoring Framework jointly developed by PHC stakeholders, including criteria on governance, financing, quality of care, evidence use, and sustainability. An independent panel made up of public health experts, academia, religious and traditional leaders, media, and civil society organisations oversees the assessments, which are verified by independent agents recruited through the United Nations.

NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, highlighted the monetary impact of the awards, saying, "this platform celebrates results, rewards performance, and ultimately delivers better care for our people through meaningful financial support."

Previous editions underscored the initiative's significance: Borno State won the inaugural national award in 2023, while Anambra State took the top prize in the second edition in 2024. Many other states received zonal awards and special recognitions, with prize funds channelled towards expanding and enhancing their primary health care infrastructure.

This financial backing embedded within the PHC Leadership Challenge is designed to accelerate health sector commitments and promote political ownership, fostering better health outcomes nationwide.