Make Naija Stronger

In 2016 ONE launched the Make Naija Stronger campaign to call on the Nigerian government to implement the National Health Act, including allocating more resources and better spending to ensure all Nigerians, especially the poorest, are able to access health care.

Nigeria accounts for one in every eight child deaths globally. Every day the country loses more than 2,000 children to diseases, and 158 Nigerian women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related illnesses.

Over 228,000 people wrote to the Nigerian government and demanded investment in life-saving funds, especially for girls and women. This campaign proved that citizens have an effective, powerful voice. When they believe in an issue and pressure the government to act, things happen.

Impact

President Buhari signed the 2018 budget with N55.1 billion, representing 1% of CRF for basic healthcare provision fund.

These efforts led to the landmark 2018 budget, which funds the National Health Act for the first time since its passage in 2014.

What we did

• We worked with numerous civil society and NGO partners to lobby and pressure the federal government.
• We launched a powerful video featuring Nigerian superstars Waje, Yemi Alade, Desmond Elliot, Kate Henshaw, Ali Nuhu, Basketmouth, and Toolz.
• In 2017, over 70 of these partners signed an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari demanding an increase in health funding.
• We held over 180 advocacy meetings and public events between February 2017 and May 2018.
• More than 228,000 people signed our online petition to demand action to revive the healthcare system.