The federal government has provided free reading glasses to about 1,444,581 Nigerians under its Jigi Bola 2.0 initiative, according to Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Salako. He said the intervention forms part of efforts to tackle avoidable vision impairment across the country.
Salako disclosed that approximately 1.5 million citizens were screened in 16 states within one year of the programme’s implementation. The screenings led to the distribution of corrective glasses to over 1.4 million beneficiaries identified with vision challenges.
The Jigi Bola 2.0 programme is designed to improve access to basic eye care services, particularly for underserved populations. It focuses on early detection of visual impairments and provision of simple corrective solutions such as reading glasses.
According to the minister, the initiative aligns with the federal government’s broader commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services. He noted that addressing common eye conditions can significantly improve productivity and quality of life.
Salako also revealed that 2,216 primary healthcare (PHC) workers have been trained under the programme. The training aims to equip frontline health personnel with skills to conduct vision screening and provide appropriate referrals when necessary.
He explained that empowering PHC workers ensures sustainability and continuity of the intervention at the grassroots level. By integrating eye care services into primary healthcare, the government hopes to expand access beyond urban centres.
The minister said the government is targeting five million beneficiaries nationwide as the programme scales up. He emphasized that expanding coverage to more states remains a priority in the coming phases.
Salako described visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive errors as a significant public health issue. He noted that many Nigerians struggle with reading and other daily tasks because they lack access to simple corrective lenses.
The free distribution of reading glasses, he said, removes financial barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking eye care. For many low-income earners, the cost of prescription glasses can be prohibitive.
He added that improving vision contributes to better educational outcomes and enhanced economic productivity. Clear eyesight enables students to perform better in school and allows workers to carry out tasks more efficiently.
The minister stressed that the Jigi Bola 2.0 programme reflects the administration’s focus on preventive healthcare. Rather than waiting for complications to arise, the initiative seeks to detect and address problems early.
Salako said the screening exercises conducted across 16 states involved collaboration with local authorities and healthcare providers. Community outreach efforts were used to mobilize residents and encourage participation.
He reiterated that strengthening the primary healthcare system remains central to achieving universal health coverage. Training over 2,200 PHC workers represents a step toward building long-term capacity in eye care services.
The government plans to monitor and evaluate the programme’s impact as it expands. Data collected from screenings and distributions will inform future health interventions and policy adjustments.
Health officials have noted that avoidable blindness and visual impairment remain prevalent in many communities. Initiatives such as Jigi Bola 2.0 aim to reduce that burden through cost-effective and scalable solutions.
Salako expressed confidence that with sustained funding and coordination, the target of five million beneficiaries can be achieved nationwide. He urged stakeholders to continue supporting the programme to ensure broader access to essential eye care services.
The distribution of over 1.4 million reading glasses marks a significant milestone in the government’s public health outreach. As the programme progresses, authorities say it will continue to focus on early detection, community engagement, and strengthening primary healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
