Nigeria's Health Sector Faces Challenges After 27 Years

After 27 years of democracy, Nigeria's health sector continues to struggle with critical issues such as high maternal mortality rates, which stand at an estimated 512 deaths per 100,000 live births. The health insurance coverage is below nine percent, and state health expenditure is only three percent of GDP, falling short of the World Health Organization's benchmark of five percent.

The Basic Health Care Provision Fund supports primary healthcare centers, which are expected to meet level 2 service standards. Recent data indicates a significant increase in healthcare visits, with 45 million recorded in the third quarter of 2025.

The government has introduced a 2023 framework aimed at improving coordination across financing, service delivery, and workforce development. This includes increasing financial allocations for primary healthcare facilities and enhancing oversight through digital management systems.

The challenges in the sector stem from fragmented services, workforce shortages, and a lack of common performance measurement frameworks.