Islam foundation raises alarm over Nigeria’s public health policy in North east

By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

The Saqafatul Islam Foundation of Nigeria, SIFN, has said that their concern is the integrity of Nigeria’s public health policy process and the dignity, autonomy, and trust owed to Nigerian women in the North East.

This was contained in an open letter signed by Muhammad Awwal Ahmadu Secretary of the foundation sent to the minister which was made available to journalists in Bauchi, saying that women face heightened vulnerabilities and where distrust of health programmes can have severe consequences.

He called strongly on the coordinating  Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pateh to clarify on Reproductive Health Policy Integrity, External Influence Concerns, and Public Confidence.

They alleged that “Many Nigerian parents—mothers and fathers—have found recent reports and the surrounding commentary deeply disturbing, especially where Nigerian women appear, in public narratives, to be discussed primarily in terms of demographic targets. This is precisely why clear, factual communication from your office is urgently needed.”

The letter said “As patriotic stakeholders, we request for the minister’s comments on a matter of growing public concern: Nigeria’s fertility rate, the integrity of reproductive health policy discussions, and the implications of recent international disclosures for public trust”.

“Public reporting and commentary in recent weeks—including reports referencing materials said to be connected to the Jeffrey Epstein matter—have generated anxiety among Nigerians about whether influential foreign individuals or networks may have taken an interest in demographic outcomes in Nigeria. 

While SIFN does not claim personal knowledge of the authenticity, completeness, or legal meaning of any purported communications circulating online, the public perception of possible external agenda-setting has become significant and warrants clear reassurance from Nigeria’s health leadership”.

In the letter the group alleged that ‘Nigeria’s fertility rate is frequently discussed in global public health circles. Any policy or programme relating to fertility, family planning, maternal health, or reproductive services must be grounded in Nigerian law, public health evidence, human rights standards, and—most importantly—the autonomy and informed consent of Nigerian women. 

For citizens to maintain confidence in health initiatives, they must be assured that policies are transparent and not influenced by improper considerations, whether real or perceived.’

The group requested for clarification on the “Policy independence and safeguards. What formal safeguards exist within the Ministry to ensure that reproductive health and family planning policies are developed solely in Nigeria’s public interest and are insulated from undue influence by external actors, including donors, private foundations, or foreign policy interests? 

About Transparency on partnerships, programmes, and funding, the group asks; Could the Ministry publish or point the public to clear information detailing key partnerships and donor-supported programmes in reproductive and maternal health, including governance structures, oversight mechanisms, and accountability standards? This would help address speculation and strengthen confidence”

The group touted the Minister about “Public reassurance regarding named individuals and narratives now circulating. Reports and online commentary have mentioned Jeffrey Epstein, Thomas Pritzker, and others in connection with discussions about population dynamics. Without asserting wrongdoing by any person, 

we ask: what is the Ministry’s position on any attempts—by any external individuals or organisations—to frame Nigeria’s fertility rate as a target for “population control” strategies rather than as a health and development issue to be addressed ethically and voluntarily?”

The group further sought “Clarification regarding billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates and perceptions of conflict of interest. “We had always regarded Bill Gates as a friend to world health initiatives. 

Yet we note that public reporting has also discussed interactions between Jeffrey Epstein and Bill Gates, including reporting about philanthropy and support for global health initiatives. 

We further note that you have been described in public discourse as having a long-standing relationship with Mr. Bill Gates due to global health engagement. Given present sensitivities, would you be willing to clarify:

The nature of your professional relationship with Mr. Bill Gates (e.g., institutional, advisory, programme-related, or otherwise), and 2. What conflict-of-interest safeguards apply to ensure that Nigerian policy decisions remain fully independent and transparent?”

On “Ethical leadership and the question of resignation in the public interest, We recognize that resignation is a serious step and should never be demanded lightly. However, public confidence is central to effective health leadership.

In several jurisdictions, senior officials and public figures have stepped aside after controversies involving proximity—direct or indirect— to individuals whose reputations became severely compromised, where that proximity risked undermining institutional credibility.” 

“In that light, and given the names now central to public debate (including Jeffrey Epstein, Thomas Pritzker, and Bill Gates), we respectfully ask: do you consider that stepping aside, temporarily or permanently.

It is something you should consider if public confidence in the Ministry’s reproductive health agenda is materially weakened by these perceptions—regardless of your personal intent— so as to protect the credibility of the Ministry and equally important to avoid any risk of the Presidency being drawn into reputational fallout by association?”