FG Seeks N720bn to Improve Nigeria's Health Sector Funding

The Federal Government of Nigeria is calling for enhanced domestic resource mobilization to bridge a N720 billion funding gap in the health sector's 2025 Annual Operational Plan (AOP). This initiative, presented during a dialogue on maternal health financing by Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, aims to increase investment in maternal healthcare to reduce the country's high maternal mortality burden.

Nigeria's maternal mortality ratio stands at 572 deaths per 100,000 live births, with a neonatal mortality rate of 41 deaths per 1,000 live births. The AOP requires an estimated N3.68 trillion for implementation, with government funding accounting for N1.70 trillion (46.3%) and development partners expected to contribute N1.25 trillion (34%).

The remaining N720 billion represents 19.5% of the total and remains unfunded. Dr. Biobel Davidson emphasized that inadequate domestic financing and weak budget implementation undermine efforts to reduce maternal deaths, with Nigeria accounting for 19-20% of global maternal deaths despite having only 2% of the world's population.