By Benjamin Christian
Nigeria’s healthcare system is poised for a major transformation as the National Assembly, the Budget and National Planning Ministry, and local governments announce new commitments aimed at expanding funding, boosting service delivery, and deepening collaboration across all levels of governance.
These assurances were given in Abuja on Wednesday during the 2nd Joint Annual Review of the Health Sector (JAR 2025), themed “All Hands, One Mission: Bringing the Nigerian Health System to Light.” The review served as a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, exchange insights, and reinforce accountability in the drive toward universal health coverage.
Senator Ipalibo Banigo, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, disclosed that the National Assembly is considering amendments to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Act to double the allocation from one to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
According to Banigo, who was represented by Adesola Adebayo, the increase will revitalise primary health centres, strengthen the healthcare workforce, improve access to essential medicines, and sustain maternal and immunisation programmes nationwide.
“The legislature remains committed to supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda, ensuring that more Nigerians benefit from affordable and quality healthcare without financial hardship,” she stated.
In his remarks, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, revealed that Nigeria’s monthly revenue has surged from below N580 billion between 2019 and 2023 to over N2 trillion in 2025. He said the increase reflects the impact of fiscal reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda and provides a stronger base for investment in priority sectors, particularly health.
Bagudu described the National Compact for Health as a key framework of “cooperative federalism,” setting clear commitments by all tiers of government to strengthen the health system. “A healthy population remains essential for Nigeria’s long-term economic growth,” he noted.
The minister also announced new multilateral partnerships, including the European Union’s “Health Investment for Nigeria” initiative, which he said underscores renewed global confidence in Nigeria’s reform agenda and health sector capacity.
Aminu Hassan, representing the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), reiterated the critical role of local governments in achieving equitable healthcare delivery across communities. He pledged continued support for the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy and the Sector-Wide Approach, which aim to improve accountability and innovation at the grassroots.
Hassan commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for integrating ALGON into the BHCPF 2.0 framework, ensuring that local governments play a central role in health financing and decision-making.
He emphasised that effective coordination among all tiers of government remains vital to achieving sustainable improvements in health outcomes nationwide.
