The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of ₦32.8 billion from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to support primary healthcare programs across the country in the first quarter of the 2025 fiscal year.
The funds will be allocated through key health agencies, including the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).
The decision was announced during the 10th BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting in Abuja, chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring equitable access to essential medical services.
Prof. Pate revealed that the approved funds will support over 8,000 primary healthcare centers nationwide. The allocation will be used to expand healthcare services, provide emergency medical treatment and ambulance services, sustain the Vulnerable Groups Fund, and enhance the NCDC’s disease outbreak prevention and response capabilities.
“We must ensure health security by preventing outbreaks, detecting them early, and responding effectively,” Pate stated.
Additionally, he announced the approval of revised governance guidelines for the BHCPF, pending a legal review by the Attorney General of the Federation. These guidelines aim to enhance equity and increase funding for primary healthcare centers, reflecting ongoing reforms to improve healthcare delivery.
While acknowledging the positive impact of the BHCPF, Pate highlighted existing challenges in fund disbursement, particularly at the state level. He noted that issues with account openings and signatories have delayed access to funds for certain agencies. However, he expressed confidence that the newly appointed Accountant General of the Federation would expedite the resolution of these bottlenecks.
“These funds are federal government resources but are channelled through the State Treasury Single Account (TSA). We are working to ensure a smoother process for states to access their allocations,” he explained.
Responding to concerns about potential shortages of essential medicines, Pate dismissed reports suggesting imminent stockouts. He assured Nigerians that the government is actively procuring medical supplies through direct and emergency channels to sustain the treatment of diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
“There are no immediate shortages, and the government remains committed to ensuring a steady supply of essential health commodities,” he emphasized.
As part of broader efforts to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare system, the Federal Government is revising BHCPF guidelines to promote equity and increase funding for primary healthcare centers. Pate called on Nigerians, civil society organizations, and development partners to support these reforms and collaborate in strengthening the country’s health infrastructure.
The ministerial meeting also featured updates from various health agencies and the ratification of memorandums presented by the MOC Secretary, underscoring the government’s dedication to improving healthcare delivery nationwide.
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