The Federal government has established a National Task Force on Clinical Governance and Patient Safety to strengthen clinical oversight, prevent medical errors, and improve patient outcomes across Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the development via his official X account on Thursday evening, January 15, 2026.
He shared the task force’s mandate, terms of reference, and membership composition, noting that the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
The task force is chaired by Professor Pate, with the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, serving as the alternate chair.
According to the minister, the team is tasked with supporting the development and operationalization of sustainable clinical governance structures, safety standards, and accountability mechanisms across both public and private health facilities.
Pate highlighted that while Nigeria has made strides in expanding access to essential health services, preventable deaths and disabilities due to poor-quality care continue to undermine these gains.
He identified systemic challenges such as frequent misdiagnoses, inadequate provider-patient interaction, and limited accountability as primary targets for the new task force.
The initiative will work to standardize national patient safety frameworks and implementation guidance, ensuring that health facilities operate under consistent, high-quality standards.
The task force is also expected to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.8) regarding quality essential health services.
Stakeholders in the health sector have welcomed the move, describing it as a critical step toward restoring public confidence and ensuring safer, more reliable services for all Nigerians.