In a bold move to strengthen health financing and epidemic preparedness, the Nigerian Government is set to mobilize ₦150 billion over the next two years. This initiative forms a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing fiscal reforms.
Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Finance, Wale Edun, announced the initiative at the 2025 Joint Annual Health Sector Review in Abuja, themed “All Hands, One Mission”, emphasizing its role in translating economic stabilization into social impact.
He explained that linking fiscal expansion with health system renewal embodies President Tinubu’s vision of translating economic stabilization into tangible social impact.
The federal health budget has risen nearly 60%, and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) will grow from ₦131.5 billion in 2024 to ₦299 billion by 2026.
Minister of Budget, Atiku Bagudu, noted Nigeria’s low revenue-to-GDP ratio and outlined plans to raise it to 18% by 2026 via fiscal and tax reforms. A World Bank-supported program is integrating all 8,809 wards nationwide into a unified planning framework.
Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, praised the reforms and called for stronger federal–state collaboration. He described the disbursement of ₦32.9 billion under the BHCPF and the sector-wide approach as “game changers” for primary healthcare delivery.
“For the first time, states are clear on the support reaching them from the federal government. This clarity will strengthen planning and measurable results”, AbdulRazaq said.
Speaking further, Health Minister, Ali Pate, highlighted progress in maternal and newborn survival, vaccination coverage, and recruitment of over 15,000 new health workers. All states and the FCT now have operational health plans aligned with national priorities.
He also revealed government plans to boost local vaccine production, expand health insurance, and increase transparency via digital systems and health-related taxes.
About the Author
