Atiku Abubakar Demands Transparency on US Health Deal

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Tinubu-led Federal Government to publicly disclose the complete details of Nigeria's health agreement with the United States. This demand was articulated in a statement on September 29 by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.

Atiku's request follows Nigeria's signing of a five-year health Memorandum of Understanding on December 19, 2025, which includes provisions for disease surveillance, health data systems, and pathogen sample handling. The agreement anticipates nearly $2 billion in grants from the United States, with Nigeria committing to nearly $3 billion in spending over the same period.

Atiku also raised concerns about the federal government's ability to fulfill its domestic health funding obligations, referencing Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate's remarks regarding inadequate budget releases. He urged the government to clarify data-sharing protocols and the authority of NAFDAC in inspecting imported medicines under the agreement.