Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria and the United States formalise a landmark health partnership worth billions of dollars, committing to long-term cooperation on disease control, health security and sustainable healthcare financing.
The technical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed Friday in Abuja, focuses on combating infectious diseases, expanding primary healthcare coverage and strengthening Nigeria’s health systems.
Under the agreement, Washington will provide nearly $2 billion in grants over five years from April 2026 to December 2030, while Nigeria commits to allocating at least six per cent of its federal and state budgets to health—potentially unlocking $3 billion in domestic funding.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate says the pact reflects Nigeria’s shift from aid dependence to sustainable investment.
“This partnership underscores our determination to prevent, detect and respond to health threats while expanding access to quality care for all Nigerians,” Pate says.
Priority areas include outbreak surveillance, laboratory upgrades, health worker training, data systems and supply chain security. The MoU aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the presidential-led Health Sector Renewal Compact.
Officials say the agreement strengthens accountability, resilience and national ownership of healthcare reforms amid declining international aid.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Koko Maxwella 