Nigeria's Health Minister Reports ₦422.3bn for Healthcare

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, announced that the Nigerian government has released a total of ₦422.3 billion for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from 2019 to October 2026. Of this amount, ₦323.6 billion has been disbursed to the fund's implementing gateways, with ₦249.5 billion allocated under President Bola Tinubu's administration.

Pate made this statement during his keynote address at the 2026 Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR) held in Abuja. He also mentioned that the government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to enhance tracking and accountability of BHCPF resources.

The BHCPF aims to improve access to basic healthcare services, especially at the primary healthcare level. Pate noted that 3,526 primary healthcare centres have been revitalised, with ongoing work at another 900 facilities, indicating substantial progress despite the need for further improvements.