Minister of Finance, Wale Edun
Nigerian Government has announced plans to mobilise ₦150 billion to support vaccine procurement for 2025 and 2026, as part of its broader strategy to strengthen immunisation coverage and enhance healthcare financing nationwide.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, made this known on Wednesday at the 2025 Joint Annual Review (JAR) in Abuja, themed _“All Hands, One Mission.”_
The Joint Annual Review, held under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) framework, brings together federal and state officials, development partners, civil society, and health experts to assess sectoral performance and chart plans for improving healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
Edun revealed that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) had risen from ₦31.5 billion in 2024 to nearly ₦299 billion for the 2025–2026 period, while the overall health budget increased by about 60 per cent.
He said the allocation now represents more than five per cent of the national budget—up from just over three per cent previously—demonstrating the current administration’s renewed commitment to prioritising health in its fiscal agenda.
> “The allocation is substantial, and though gaps remain between appropriation and release, we are committed to closing them to ensure essential vaccines and health services reach all Nigerians,” Edun said.
The minister also spoke about the Ward-Based Development Programme, which channels funds directly to Nigeria’s 8,809 wards across 774 local government areas, empowering frontline health workers and reinforcing community health structures.
Edun further underscored the importance of domestic resource mobilisation, noting that declining global funding makes it imperative for states to increase investments in health and education to complement federal efforts.
*Nigeria moves to reduce donor dependence, boost local vaccine production*
Also speaking, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, said Nigeria is steadily cutting reliance on foreign aid by promoting local production of vaccines, medicines, and other essential health technologies.
He explained that the government’s goal is to strengthen investments at the state and local levels in health, education, water, sanitation, and nutrition—key pillars of the President’s ward-based development model aimed at improving community wellbeing.
Pate said the government is currently exploring innovative financing mechanisms, including taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, public-private partnerships, and digital accountability tools to ensure transparency in the management of health funds.
> “By combining domestic resources, local engagement, and measurable outcomes, Nigeria is building a resilient, inclusive, and responsive health system that truly serves its people,” Pate stated.
According to the minister, the sector has already recorded significant progress, citing a 17 per cent decline in maternal deaths, a 12 per cent reduction in newborn mortality, and a 33 per cent increase in skilled birth attendance across the country.
> “More than 4,000 free caesarean sections have been performed in NHIA-empanelled facilities, while primary healthcare utilisation increased from 10 million visits in early 2024 to 45 million in mid-2025.
Nearly half of women of reproductive age now use modern contraception, and vaccination coverage for measles, rubella, and HPV has met or surpassed national targets,” he added.
Pate also noted that all 36 states and the FCT now operate under health plans aligned with the National Health Sector Strategic Blueprint, while 72 per cent of states have established programmes to manage non-communicable diseases.
> “All 774 local government areas now host National Health Fellows and Public Financial Management Officers, surpassing targets and ensuring improved coordination and accountability in local health financing,” he said.
He highlighted growing citizen involvement in health governance, citing survey data indicating that nearly half of Nigerians believe government now considers public input in health decision-making, while patient satisfaction nationwide stands at 74 per cent.
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The event also featured the signing of an updated Health Sector Renewal Compact, which formally expanded participation to include the private sector, local governments, faith-based organisations, and civil society groups.
The three-day review continues with sessions on health financing, immunisation, primary healthcare, and innovation, as Nigeria consolidates its recent gains and accelerates progress toward universal, equitable access to quality healthcare.
