Tomori Raises Concerns Over US-Nigeria Health Agreement

Oyewale Tomori, a professor of virology and former vice-chancellor of Redeemer’s University, has raised concerns regarding Nigeria's health agreement with the United States. Signed on 19 December 2025, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines a commitment of nearly $2 billion in US grant funding over five years, while Nigeria pledges to allocate at least six percent of its annual federal and state budgets to health, estimated at approximately $600 million annually.

Tomori cautions that sharing health data and pathogen samples without equitable benefit sharing could undermine Nigeria’s health security, potentially leading to increased dependence on foreign assistance. The Northern States Christian Elders Forum has also expressed concerns about the agreement, particularly regarding vaccine supply, Nigeria's financial commitments, and the regulatory responsibilities of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

Tomori questions Nigeria's ability to meet its financial commitments, citing a history of low budgetary allocations and challenges in fund disbursement.