The federal government has approved the disbursement of over ₦65 billion as its commitment to strengthen primary health care delivery and advance progress toward Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.
Addressing stakeholders at the 11th Ministerial Oversight Committee, MOC, meeting convened in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said more than 37 million health facilities visits had been supported through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, BHCPF, marking a critical milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage.
According to Prof. Pate, ₦32.88 billion from the first-quarter 2025 release has been approved to cover BHCPF implementation for both the first and second quarters of the year.
“The allocation, split evenly at ₦16.44 billion per quarter, aligns with the 2020 BHCPF Guidelines and is expected to ensure the continuity of critical health financing activities. Also, ₦32.88 billion was approved for third-quarter implementation, with disbursement expected by the end of August or upon the release of funds by relevant authorities.“
Professor Pate noted that the recent fiscal reforms including the Presidential Executive Orders to unlock local healthcare manufacturing and the newly signed Tax Reform Bill were laying a sustainable financial foundation for the sector, thereby reducing dependency on external aid.
He further addressed urgent issues in tuberculosis control, citing a treatment gap for about 50,000 Nigerians who tested positive but are yet to commence care. He assured that the 2025 national budget includes specific provisions to bridge this gap, aided by improvements in diagnostic capacity that have earned Nigeria global recognition.
He expressed concerns in tuberculosis control, stressing that about 50,000 Nigerians who tested positive for tuberculosis were yet to commence treatment. To address this, Prof Pate gave the assurance that the 2025 national budget includes targeted allocations to close this gap.
“This effort will be supported by enhanced diagnostic capabilities, an area where Nigeria has gained international recognition,” He said.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, emphasized that transparency and inclusivity were crucial for the successful implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, BHCPF.
He highlighted the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order on unlocking the healthcare value chain, adding that key developments shared at the MOC meeting demonstrate progress in line with the President’s agenda to revitalise the sector.
Chairman of the Nigerian Health Commissioners’ Forum and Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, lauded the federal government for prioritising reforms in primary healthcare.
“Primary healthcare centres across the country are undergoing renovation. Beyond infrastructure, we are equipping facilities, training personnel and ensuring consistent availability of commodities to deliver quality care,” he added.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen reforms, scale implementation, and mobilize private sector investment to strengthen Nigeria’s primary healthcare system for all.
