Dakuku Peterside (2nd from left) receives an award at the Afrihealth event in Lagos
Dakuku Peterside, former director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), says the future of Nigeria’s healthcare sector is bright.
He added that consistent innovation and capacity building are crucial to improving the quality, accessibility, affordability, and efficiency of healthcare delivery in the country.
Speaking as the chairman of the 2025 Afrihealth Conferences and Exhibitions held in Lagos, Peterside highlighted the role of innovation in enabling data-driven decision-making.
He said such advancements help healthcare providers predict disease outbreaks, tailor treatments, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.
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The former member of the house of representatives lauded healthcare entrepreneurs for their efforts in addressing critical challenges and pushing the boundaries of medical possibilities.
He also expressed gratitude to the AFRIHEALTH Development Foundation for creating a platform that brings together health professionals and allied service providers from across the continent to share knowledge and ideas.
“I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, whose contributions often go unrecognised,” he said.
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“It is a real honour to receive an award from the AFRIHEALTH Development Foundation recognising my healthcare advocacy efforts. This motivates me to remain engaged in advancing our healthcare system.”
Peterside also commended Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare; and Iziaq Salako, minister of state for health and social welfare; for their “transformative reforms” in the health sector.
“The recent reforms in the healthcare sector, which have been recognised globally, gives us hope of a bright future for Nigeria,” he said.
“I have faith that one day, Nigeria will be a hub for medical tourism, if we get leadership and technical capacity right.”
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Peterside said Pate’s efforts in promoting local manufacturing of biologics, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals would ensure better access to essential and quality medicines.
The event featured notable speakers, including Felix Erondu, a radiography expert; and Lere Baale, CEO and professor at Business School Netherlands Nigeria (BSNN).
