Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Federal Government, in partnership with state governments, has announced the disbursement of ₦32 billion over six months to expand access to quality healthcare across the country.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, revealed this at the close of the 11th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting in Abuja, stating that the funds—sourced from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF)—will be released in two tranches.
“At least 37 million Nigerians have accessed services through the BHCPF. That is a landmark achievement and a testament to joint efforts across all levels of government and stakeholders,” Pate said.
Professor Pate stressed that transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system demands shared responsibility, adding that, “No single tier of government can manage the sector alone.”
He assured that the 2025 national budget will cover treatment for the 50,000 Nigerians diagnosed with tuberculosis but yet to commence therapy, attributing the rise in detection to intensified screening and better testing.
“Good healthcare is not cheap healthcare. Countries must invest in it. Nigeria is investing in it, and we will continue to encourage both federal and state governments to do more, thereby reducing reliance on donor funding,” he added.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, emphasised that transparency remains key to the BHCPF’s impact, noting that “the open nature of the fund’s governance is attracting increased participation from states and civil society.”
Chairman of the Nigerian Health Commissioners’ Forum, Dr Oyebanji Filani, praised President Tinubu’s commitment to reforms, saying, “Primary healthcare centres across the country are undergoing renovation… we are equipping facilities, training personnel and ensuring consistent availability of commodities to deliver quality care.”
The MOC also named Dr Ogbe Oritseweyimi as the new Secretary of the BHCPF Oversight Committee to coordinate stakeholder efforts and advance primary healthcare financing reforms.
