Health Stakeholders Push for New Funding Commitments to Strengthen Nigeria's Healthcare System
Nigeria's healthcare financing is back in focus as health sector stakeholders call for more government investment, stricter financial oversight and sustainable funding mechanisms to close gaps in service delivery.
Abuja — Ensuring that hospitals and other health facilities receive the resources they need has emerged as a major priority following calls by health sector stakeholders for stronger government commitment to healthcare financing in Nigeria.
At the centre of their demands is not just an increase in budgetary allocations, but also the timely disbursement of approved funds and better monitoring of how public health resources are spent.
The stakeholders want governments at different levels to strengthen contributions to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), while considering health-focused taxation measures as an additional source of sustainable funding.
These recommendations form part of 12 resolutions adopted at the 2026 Joint Annual Review (JAR), following discussions on persistent challenges affecting healthcare delivery across the country.
Presenting the communiqué, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollum, outlined the outcomes of the review and the proposed measures to address weaknesses in the health system.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening Nigeria's pharmaceutical regulatory institutions. Participants called on the Federal Government to provide the necessary support for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to achieve the World Health Organization's Maturity Level Four status by 2027.
The proposed target underscores the need to improve the country's capacity to regulate medicines and other health products in line with international standards.
The resolutions place emphasis on sustainable financing, responsible management of public resources and stronger regulatory institutions as important areas for improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
