Lagos NMA Chair Urges 70% Budget Allocation to Primary Healthcare

Dr. Babajide Sahe, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Lagos State, called for a significant shift in health funding priorities, urging that 70% of the budget be allocated to primary healthcare. He highlighted the importance of primary healthcare in providing access to preventive and community-based medical services.

Sahe criticized the current disproportionate allocation of funds in Nigeria, where primary healthcare receives only 60-70% of the budget, with secondary and tertiary care following. He warned that neglecting primary healthcare undermines the entire health system, citing examples of inadequacies in primary care infrastructure and staffing in Lagos State.

Sahe's call comes amidst criticism of the federal government's 2026 health sector allocation, which represents only 4% of the national budget according to recent budget documents.