By Ireti Asemota.
Nigeria’s health landscape is on the cusp of transformation, with the National Assembly gearing up to hike funding, the Budget Ministry forecasting robust revenue growth, and local governments vowing to bolster grassroots healthcare delivery.
These strides took center stage on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2nd Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the health sector, under the theme “All Hands, One Mission: Bringing the Nigerian Health System to Light.” The gathering, as covered by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), serves as a vital forum to evaluate progress, exchange insights, and ramp up accountability among key players steering health reforms.
The 2025 theme spotlights resilience, teamwork, and the tireless efforts of frontline workers who kept vital services running—reaffirming a collective drive for fair, high-quality care in every corner of the country.
Legislative Push for Enhanced Funding
Sen. Ipalibo Banigo, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, unveiled plans to overhaul the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Act, aiming to double its allocation from 1% to 2% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). Represented by Mr. Adesola Adebayo, she noted the proposal has garnered strong backing in recent parliamentary sessions.
This boost, Banigo explained, would breathe new life into primary health centers, build workforce skills, widen medicine availability, and fortify nationwide programs for immunization and maternal care.
“The legislature is steadfast in backing the President’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda, making sure more Nigerians get affordable, top-notch healthcare without breaking the bank,” she declared.
Revenue Surge Fuels Investments
Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning, spotlighted a dramatic fiscal turnaround: monthly revenues have soared from under ₦580 billion (2019–2023) to over ₦2 trillion in 2025. This windfall under the Renewed Hope Agenda is unlocking bigger spends on priority areas like health, laying groundwork for enduring growth and better societal results nationwide.
Bagudu described the Compact as a baseline pact across government levels, embodying cooperative federalism.
“A fit population is the bedrock of Nigeria’s economic future,” he stressed.
He also flagged fresh global alliances, such as the European Union’s Health Investment for Nigeria program, signaling growing trust in the country’s fiscal tweaks and health infrastructure.
Local Governments Step Up
Dr. Aminu Hassan, speaking for the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), underlined the pivotal part districts play in delivering equitable health services to remote areas. He renewed ALGON’s dedication to the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), promising deeper ties for accountability and fresh ideas at the community level.
Hassan praised the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for folding ALGON into the BHCPF 2.0 setup, guaranteeing local voices in funding and policy calls.
FG Signs 8MW Hydropower Concession to Boost Electricity Supply (Editor’s Note: This appears as a related headline in reports—highlighting parallel efforts to power health facilities amid broader infrastructure gains.)
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