Nigeria approves ₦32.8bn for primary healthcare in Q1 2026

Health, Politics

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of ₦32.8 billion under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the first quarter of 2026, advancing BHCPF 2.0 to strengthen primary healthcare, improve maternal and child health, and expand access to essential services nationwide.

The decision was taken at the Q1 2026 meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC), which reviewed reforms to improve financing, coordination, and frontline results. Gateway agencies — NHIA, NPHCDA, and NCDC — presented updates, while ALGON and civil society groups shared field-level insights.

A key focus was the accelerated rollout of BHCPF 2.0 under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), aligning financing and accountability with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). Priority interventions include MAMII (reducing maternal and newborn deaths), HOPE PHC (boosting service readiness and workforce capacity), and the National Health Fellows Programme (strengthening leadership and accountability).

The Committee also reviewed progress on the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) and broader maternal and child health indicators. Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stressed that BHCPF 2.0 ensures resources translate into real improvements at the primary care level. Minister of State, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, added that outcomes must be visible to Nigerians through safer deliveries and stronger emergency response.

Resolutions adopted include structured private sector engagement, revised emergency transport tariffs, faster programme reviews, and reinforced quality assurance. The Ministry urged states, partners, and the private sector to align with BHCPF 2.0 priorities, while encouraging Nigerians to utilise primary healthcare services as access expands nationwide.