Nigerian Health Minister Reveals Only N36m Released Out of N218bn 2025 Health Budget

Minister Pate disclosed during a budget defense session at the House of Representatives that only N36 million out of the N218 billion allocated for the 2025 health capital budget has been released. This release represents a mere 0.1% utilization so far, attributed to delays caused by the bottom cash plan policy.

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation noted that the delay in accessing counterpart funds has stalled the implementation of the 2025 capital budget for health. The Minister highlighted the importance of aligning budget proposals with the nation's health policies and strategies outlined in the National Health Act and other development plans.

The 2026 budget is expected to be guided by the 2016 National Health Policy to advance universal health coverage and support the health sector's development.