The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) has announced the release of N32 billion to revitalise over 8,000 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) nationwide.
Dr Oyebanji Filani, Chairman of the Health Commissioners Forum, made this known to journalists on Monday in Abuja, during the 11th meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC).
Filani, who also serves as Ekiti State’s Commissioner for Health, explained that the funds would help strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure access to vital services for millions of Nigerians.
The disbursement, made in two equal tranches of N16 billion each, will support the renovation of healthcare facilities, procurement of medical supplies, and capacity building for frontline health workers under the BHCPF.
In the same vein, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, noted that the intervention was already showing positive results, with over 37 million visits to PHCs recorded across the country.
“This is a testament to what collaboration can achieve with federal, state, and local governments working together, alongside development partners and civil society, to ensure that Nigerians access affordable, quality care,” said Pate.
He added that all 36 state governments had committed to the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with local governments also engaged through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)-led compact.
“Each state is different, but we are seeing strong commitment from governors and commissioners. Our shared focus is data, accountability, and ensuring that the services reach the people,” he explained.
The minister emphasised that Nigeria’s healthcare transformation was grounded in transparent collaboration, political will, and the backing of the President to align both federal and sub-national priorities.
In response to concerns raised by the Global Fund Country Management Support (CMS) on the treatment gap for over 50,000 TB-positive Nigerians, Pate explained that the increase in TB detection had contributed to the treatment gap.
He assured that the 2025 budget would include dedicated resources for drug procurement to meet growing demand.
“Yes, we have scaled testing significantly, and the world acknowledges that. But now we must match that with treatment. The 2025 budget includes provisions to ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
Pate also addressed the issue of long-term sustainability, stating that Nigeria must reduce its reliance on external funding by increasing domestic resource mobilisation and reinvestment.
“For too long, we have depended on external funds. That must change. The President’s reforms, like the removal of the fuel subsidy and the new tax bill, will increase public revenue. That is how we finance healthcare, education, and more,” he noted.
He further highlighted the positive impact of President Tinubu’s Executive Order on Local Manufacturing, which has facilitated the importation of raw materials and enhanced confidence among pharmaceutical manufacturers.
“Our industry is beginning to respond. If we shape demand and support local production, we can secure our medicine supply and reduce cost pressures in the long run,” he stated.
Pate concluded by stressing the need for continued political commitment and community engagement, reaffirming that while challenges persist, Nigeria is on a clear path towards a resilient and inclusive health system.
“We are not there yet, but we are moving. We will continue to work, imperfect as the process may be, because the mandate is clear: deliver health to all Nigerians. We are 100 per cent focused on that,” he affirmed.
(NAN)