FG Aims for 5 Million Spectacles, 25,000 Surgeries by 2027

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its commitment to improving eye health as a national development priority, targeting the provision of five million free pairs of spectacles and 25,000 free cataract surgeries by the end of 2027. This initiative is part of the expanded Jigi-Bola 2.0 program aimed at reducing preventable blindness and enhancing access to quality eye care across the country.

Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made this announcement during the opening of the 49th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and the African Council of Optometry (AFCO). Salako emphasized the need for a united optometric community in Africa to address healthcare challenges while respecting cultural diversity.

He noted that eye health has historically been overlooked, despite its significant social and economic impact. The government is implementing the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan 2024–2028 to integrate eye care services across healthcare levels and has launched the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit to standardize eye care practices.