N’Assembly set to double primary healthcare funding

N’Assembly set to double primary healthcare funding

National Assembly Complex wearing a new look. Credit: State House

Nigeria’s health sector is set for major improvements as the National Assembly plans increased funding, while the Budget Ministry projects higher revenues and local governments commit to stronger community healthcare.

These developments were highlighted on Wednesday in Abuja during the 2nd Joint Annual Review of the health sector, themed “All Hands, One Mission: Bringing the Nigerian Health System to Light.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that JAR2025 provides a platform to assess sectoral progress, share lessons, and strengthen accountability among stakeholders driving reforms within Nigeria’s health system.

The 2025 theme emphasises resilience, collaboration, and the dedication of frontline health workers who sustained essential services, underscoring a shared mission to deliver equitable, quality healthcare across Nigeria’s communities.

Speaking at the event, Ipalibo  Banigo, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, announced plans to amend the Basic Health Care Provision Fund Act to double funding allocation.

She said the proposed amendment sought to raise the BHCPF allocation from one to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, a move that received broad parliamentary support in recent readings.

Banigo, represented by Adesola Adebayo, explained that the increase would revitalise primary healthcare centres, improve workforce capacity, expand access to medicines, and sustain immunisation and maternal health programmes nationwide.

“The legislature remains committed to supporting the President’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda, ensuring that more Nigerians benefit from accessible, quality healthcare without financial hardship,”

Banigo said during her address.

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar  Bagudu, noted that Nigeria’s monthly revenue rose sharply from below N580 billion between 2019 and 2023 to more than N2 trillion in 2025.

He said the fiscal improvement under the Renewed Hope Agenda enabled greater investments in key sectors like health, providing the foundation for sustainable development and improved social outcomes across the federation.

“The Compact provides an irreducible minimum of commitments by all tiers of government, demonstrating cooperative federalism.

“A healthy population remains essential for Nigeria’s long-term economic growth,” Bagudu added.

He further highlighted new multilateral partnerships, including the European Union’s Health Investment for Nigeria initiative, which reflected renewed international confidence in Nigeria’s fiscal reforms and expanding health sector capacity.

Aminu Hassan, representing the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, underscored the critical role of local councils in ensuring equitable access to healthcare across communities nationwide.

Hassan reaffirmed ALGON’s commitment to the Primary Health Care Under One Roof, policy and the Sector-Wide Approach, pledging stronger collaboration to strengthen local accountability and innovation.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for recognising ALGON under the BHCPF 2.0 framework and ensuring local government participation in health financing and decision-making.