Broken healthcare links threaten Nigeria’s UHC ambition – AMCE CEO - Businessday NG

Brian Deaver, Chief Executive Officer of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), Abuja

…As Aigbogun seeks shift in healthcare systems from resource allocation to tangible impact

Brian Deaver, the Chief Executive Officer of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), has warned that Nigeria’s universal health coverage (UHC) ambition will remain out of reach unless the country fixes weak referral systems, accountability gaps and shortages of skilled healthcare workers.

Deaver said more funding alone cannot deliver universal healthcare, stressing the need for a connected system in which primary healthcare centres, diagnostic services, emergency care and specialist hospitals work seamlessly to ensure patients receive timely and quality treatment.

He spoke at the BusinessDay Health Conference 2026 in Abuja, under the theme, “Building Trust, Building Systems: Strengthening the Basic Health Care Provision Fund for Universal Health Coverage.”