In a decisive move to improve primary healthcare delivery, the Nigerian Federal Government has allocated N32 billion through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) during the first half of 2025. This funding supports over 8,000 primary healthcare centers across the country, reinforcing the government’s pledge to provide quality healthcare services nationwide.
Speaking at the 11th Expanded Ministerial Oversight Committee meeting on BHCPF in Abuja, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the disbursement as a vital milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). “This achievement reflects our collective efforts across federal, state and local levels, civil society, development partners, and the private sector,” he stated.
Prof. Pate linked this progress to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s health sector renewal investment initiative, part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He further highlighted recent fiscal reforms, including Presidential Executive Orders designed to boost local healthcare manufacturing and the newly enacted Tax Reform Bill, which together aim to establish a sustainable financial base for the health sector and reduce dependence on foreign aid.
Addressing public health challenges, the minister drew attention to a treatment gap affecting about 50,000 Nigerians diagnosed with tuberculosis who have yet to commence treatment. “The 2025 national budget includes specific provisions to bridge this gap, aided by improvements in diagnostic capacity that have earned Nigeria global recognition,” he said.
Prof. Pate also confirmed that local governments are now fully engaged in the health compact, collaborating with state ministries and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to enhance healthcare access at the grassroots level.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized the critical role of the MOC governance mechanism in promoting collaboration among stakeholders and ensuring effective implementation of BHCPF initiatives. Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, who chairs the Health Commissioners’ Forum, commended the federal government and partners for their efforts. He noted that recent meetings have focused on ensuring that the 8,000 targeted facilities deliver quality healthcare services and essential commodities. “We’ve discussed over six months, and the goal is very simple. It’s to ensure that as many facilities as possible provide access to quality services and necessary commodities,” Filani explained.
The 11th Expanded Ministerial Oversight Committee meeting, chaired by Prof. Pate, was convened to assess BHCPF implementation progress, strengthen strategic direction, and advance ongoing reforms under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp).
