A key health financing reform has been approved by the Nigerian Senate as lawmakers increase funding for the country’s basic healthcare system.
The upper chamber approved an increase in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from 1 per cent to 2 per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery across the country.
The decision followed consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) on the National Health Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Presenting the report, Committee Chairperson, Ipalibo Banigo, who sponsored the bill, said it was first considered on October 22, 2025, and seeks to improve financing for frontline health services.
She said stronger investment in primary healthcare was necessary to address long-standing gaps in infrastructure, staffing, and access to essential medicines.
“Primary health care is the bedrock of any strong health system”, she said, noting that many facilities across the country still face serious shortages despite rising demand for services.
Banigo explained that the funding increase would support the upgrading of health centres, recruitment of medical personnel, and improved access to essential drugs, particularly for women, children, and rural communities.
She also said the reform would reduce the financial burden on households, many of which currently pay most healthcare costs out-of-pocket, and align Nigeria with global best practices on health investment.
According to her, the BHCPF—established under the National Health Act 2014—is designed as a sustainable financing mechanism to guarantee a basic package of healthcare services for Nigerians.
She warned that current funding levels were inadequate, given increasing healthcare needs and limited donor support, stressing that families still bear over 75 per cent of total health expenses.
