The Federal Government has renewed its push to improve oral healthcare delivery nationwide, unveiling an ambitious plan to reach no fewer than three million Nigerians with oral health education and services by 2026. The pledge was reiterated in Abuja during activities marking the 2026 World Oral Health Day, convened by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and attended by a broad coalition of stakeholders, including health professionals, educators, development partners, and industry representatives.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Adekunle Salako, represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Abisola Adegoke, underscored the often-overlooked importance of oral health within the broader public health framework. He noted that untreated oral conditions continue to undermine children’s learning outcomes and reduce adult productivity, stressing that a healthy population is foundational to national development. According to him, ongoing government interventions are focused on integrating oral healthcare into primary health systems, widening access to affordable dental services, and promoting preventive practices at the grassroots level.
Salako explained that community health workers are being equipped to detect and refer severe oral conditions such as noma and cleft lip and palate, while school-based initiatives and community outreach programmes are being intensified to improve awareness and hygiene practices. In addition, a revised national oral health policy has been introduced to strengthen coordination around prevention, treatment, and public education.
The minister further highlighted strategic collaborations with global and local partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), Noma Aids Nigeria Initiative, and Médecins Sans Frontières, aimed at tackling neglected oral diseases and expanding service delivery. He also disclosed the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Colgate to support the training of community health extension workers and deepen oral health education in schools and communities.
Commending the Nigerian Dental Association, the Minister noted that its outreach efforts had reached over 2.4 million Nigerians across more than 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory in the past year. Building on this momentum, he said the government’s target is to scale up coverage to at least three million people by 2026.
He emphasised that improving oral health outcomes requires collective effort, calling on parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to champion simple preventive measures such as regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, reduced sugar consumption, and routine dental check-ups.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, described World Oral Health Day as a vital platform for reinforcing the link between oral health and overall well-being. She observed that many oral conditions are preventable but frequently neglected until they become severe and expensive to treat, urging Nigerians to embrace early preventive habits.
Kachollom, who was represented at the event, stressed the importance of early education in shaping lifelong healthy behaviours and commended the role of teachers and parents in encouraging children’s participation. She also acknowledged the contributions of development partners, professional bodies, and private sector players, noting that sustained collaboration remains key to improving oral health outcomes nationwide.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, highlighted the broader quality-of-life implications of oral health, pointing out that common conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease are largely preventable. Represented by Dr Uchenna Ekwenube, he encouraged students to adopt good oral hygiene practices and serve as ambassadors of healthy living within their communities.
The event featured a range of activities, including health talks, live demonstrations on proper oral hygiene, and an oratorical contest involving eight secondary schools. Army Day Secondary School, Abuja, emerged winner of the competition, receiving a cash prize of N100,000, while Command Secondary School, Abuja, secured the first runner-up position with N80,000. The second runner-up received N50,000, with other participating schools awarded consolation prizes.
