The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to clarify the recently signed health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and the United States, following conflicting statements from both governments.
While the Federal Government describes the MoU as a framework to strengthen health security, expand primary healthcare, and boost domestic health financing, the U.S. Embassy reportedly frames it differently, introducing religious and identity-based conditions that could limit funding to health institutions affiliated with a particular religion.
The ADC expressed concern that provisions granting the United States unilateral powers of termination are missing from Nigeria’s account of the agreement, raising questions about transparency, constitutional compliance and national sovereignty.
The party noted that the MoU reportedly commits the U.S. to $2 billion in grants over five years, while Nigeria will provide nearly $3 billion. It questioned why Nigeria bears a larger financial burden while key decisions may rest outside the country.
“Healthcare is a core public good that must remain neutral, inclusive, and universally accessible”, the ADC said, warning that identity-based conditions risk politicising care delivery and undermining public trust.
The ADC urged the Federal Government to publish the full MoU and explain whether identity-based and security-linked elements are part of the agreement, and how it aligns with Nigeria’s Constitution and preserves national sovereignty.
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