The Federal Government has announced plans to provide 25,000 free cataract surgeries to Nigerians by the end of 2027 as part of efforts to reduce preventable blindness and improve access to quality eye care nationwide.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, disclosed the initiative during the 49th Annual Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and the African Council of Optometry (AFCO) meeting in Abuja.
According to the minister, the programme will be implemented under the Renewed Hope Health Connect Initiative, a healthcare intervention designed to bring essential medical services closer to underserved and vulnerable communities across the country.
Salako said funding for the initiative has already been included in the 2025 and 2026 federal budgets, with the rollout expected to commence in late October or early November 2026.
In addition to the cataract surgeries, the Federal Government plans to distribute five million free pairs of prescription glasses through the expanded JigiBola 2.0 programme by 2027. The initiative aims to improve access to vision care while addressing the growing burden of avoidable visual impairment across Nigeria.
The minister noted that nearly two million Nigerians have been screened under the programme, while more than 1.3 million people have already received free reading glasses, many benefiting from corrective eyewear for the first time.
Health experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that cataracts remain one of the leading causes of blindness in Nigeria. They believe the programme could significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of beneficiaries by restoring sight and enhancing access to eye care services.
The Federal Government said the initiative reflects its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and reducing preventable blindness through expanded access to quality eye health services.
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