Nigeria’s delegation at the High-Level Forum on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Tokyo held strategic discussions with the President of the World Bank Group, Mr. Ajay Banga, as global leaders push for expanded access to healthcare and energy across developing nations.
Speaking after the meeting, Chief Ajuri Ngelale described the engagement as “a tremendous honour,” stressing that the conversation with Banga underscored a renewed global commitment to tackling long-standing developmental challenges through stronger partnerships and shared expertise.
Ajay Banga, who has led the World Bank since 2023, is driving what many observers describe as one of the most ambitious global health initiatives in recent decades. His plan aims to deliver improved basic healthcare services to at least 1.5 billion people worldwide, focusing on underserved populations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The initiative is expected to accelerate the push toward universal health coverage, particularly in regions where health financing gaps and poor access to primary care have slowed human capital growth.
Ngelale noted that Banga’s approach rooted in collaboration and sustainable investment mirrors the aspirations of many African governments, including Nigeria, which continues to pursue reforms that strengthen primary healthcare frameworks, expand health insurance coverage, and deploy technology to improve service delivery.
Beyond healthcare, Banga is also spearheading a major energy-access mission aimed at providing reliable and sustainable energy to 300 million Africans. The initiative is envisioned to enhance productivity, support small businesses, and reduce the inequalities caused by energy poverty.
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Ngelale said the convergence of these two priorities health and energy signals a shift in global development strategy toward inclusive interventions that address the structural challenges facing the world’s most vulnerable communities.
“At a time when nations are seeking growth models that leave no one behind, Mr. Banga’s leadership is inspiring a new era of partnership,” he stated. “World leaders are working more closely than ever to leverage each other’s strengths for collective progress in human capital development.”
The discussions in Tokyo also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to aligning with global best practices on healthcare financing, renewable energy adoption, and poverty reduction. According to Ngelale, the country’s ongoing reforms are positioning it to benefit from the World Bank’s renewed emphasis on people-centered development outcomes.
As the forum continues, stakeholders expect more multilateral announcements that will shape the global development agenda for the coming decade.