N720bn Funding Gap Threatens Nigeria's Health Goals

Stakeholders in Nigeria's health sector have raised alarms over a N720 billion funding gap that jeopardizes the country's maternal and newborn health objectives. During a maternal health roundtable organized by Nigeria Health Watch in Abuja, Dr.

Dayo Adeyanju emphasized the need for increased domestic investment to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths. The 2025 national operational plan for the health sector is estimated at N3.68 trillion, with N1.7 trillion from government funding and N1.25 trillion from development partners, leaving a significant financial shortfall.

Nigeria faces one of the highest maternal and neonatal mortality rates globally, recording 572 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 41 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births. The stakeholders aim to reduce maternal mortality by 30% and neonatal mortality by 20% by 2027.

Despite commitments from African leaders to allocate 15% of national budgets to health, Nigeria's allocation remains at 3.5-6% for 2026, highlighting the urgent need for improved healthcare financing and coordination.