FG Expands Jigi-Bola Initiative to Provide Eye Care for 5M

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing access to quality eye care services to reduce avoidable blindness and improve productivity. Dr.

Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made this announcement during the 49th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and the Annual General Meeting of the African Council of Optometry (AFCO) on July 30, 2026. He discussed the theme “Optometrists in a Changing Africa: From Diversity to Unity,” calling for collaboration among eye care professionals.

Under the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024–2028), the government has integrated eye care services and launched the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines. The Jigi-Bola 2.0 initiative has trained over 2,220 Primary Health Care workers and screened nearly two million Nigerians, providing over 1.3 million free reading glasses.

The initiative aims to deliver five million free spectacles and 25,000 free cataract surgeries by the end of 2027, highlighting the economic benefits of investing in eye care.