FG Disburses N32.9bn to States as Health Access Expands Nationwide

FG Disburses ₦32.9bn to States as Health Access Expands Nationwide

In a landmark move to bolster Nigeria’s primary healthcare system, the Federal Government has disbursed ₦32.9 billion to states and primary healthcare centres across the country. 

This third tranche of funding for 2025 was announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, during the third-quarter Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting held in Abuja.

The funds were released under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), now operating under the newly launched BHCPF 2.0 guidelines.

The disbursement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s health reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to Professor Pate, the initiative aims to improve the quality of health services delivered to Nigerians by supporting facility operations, providing stipends for health workers, and expanding access to care.

The BHCPF 2.0 framework introduces enhanced accountability mechanisms, including the activation of a Joint Task Force working alongside the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to ensure transparency in fund utilization at the community level.

Dr. Oritseweyimi Ogbe, Secretary of the MOC, highlighted that the disbursement is part of a broader effort to reinforce primary healthcare centres nationwide. He noted that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Gateway is validating enrollee lists, while the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Gateway is scaling up the Direct Facility Financing initiative.

As of the second quarter of 2025, the BHCPF contributed 13 percent to total health insurance coverage, with 21 states operational under the Emergency Medical Transport (EMT) gateway for rapid medical response.

This strategic infusion of funds is expected to significantly improve outpatient attendance, which reportedly increased by 1.4 million between the first and second quarters of 2025.

The Federal Government’s commitment to expanding health access and improving service delivery reflects a renewed focus on achieving universal health coverage and strengthening the resilience of Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.