Senate approves increase of basic health care fund to 2%

Health

ABUJA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — The Senate has approved an increase in Nigeria’s Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), raising its allocation from one per cent to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

The decision followed the presentation of the report by the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) on the National Health Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Committee Chairperson and bill sponsor, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, recalled that the bill was read for the second time on October 22, 2025.

Banigo explained that the amendment seeks to strengthen primary healthcare delivery nationwide. “Primary Health Care is the bedrock of any strong health system. By raising the BHCPF, we will increase funding to strengthen frontline facilities, recruit and retain skilled health workers, and guarantee access to essential medicines and services, particularly for women, children, and rural populations,” she said.

She added that the increase would reduce financial hardship for households, align Nigeria with best practices across Africa, and address the country’s heavy reliance on out-of-pocket health spending, which currently accounts for over 75 per cent of costs.

Established under Section 11 of the National Health Act, 2014, the BHCPF provides a guaranteed minimum package of health services for all Nigerians and represents the country’s first statutory mechanism for sustainable health financing.

Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Committee on Health to investigate reports of a COVID-19 case in Cross River State and present its findings at the next sitting.