The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health financing system to ensure Universal Health Coverage, UHC, for all citizens.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue, describing the forum as crucial to shaping the country’s health financing landscape.
Salako said the dialogue underscored Nigeria’s determination to prioritize citizens’ health through innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms.
“Today, we shall not just lead the discussion, but the movement to turn commitments into actionable strategies and inspiring outcomes that will guide future policies and implementation,” he said.
The minister recalled that the federal health budget grew from ₦434 billion in 2018 to ₦1.6 trillion in 2021, with the 2024 allocation rising to ₦2.4 trillion—representing 5.18 per cent of the national budget. He added that the National Assembly had also approved an extra ₦300 billion to cushion shortfalls from external aid, while state governments increased their health allocations.
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Nigeria’s total health expenditure as a share of GDP, he noted, has risen from 3.4 per cent in 2013 to 5.3 per cent in 2024—progress that he described as “significant but still below expectations.”
Salako highlighted reforms such as the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022 and the Vulnerable Group Fund, which aim to expand coverage and shield the poor from catastrophic health costs.
“We aim to enrol at least 4 million Nigerians into the National Health Insurance scheme by 2030, so they can receive financial protection from healthcare costs, which currently account for as much as 70 per cent of household expenditure,” he said.
He further urged Nigeria to learn from other African nations, including Ghana and Kenya, where innovative financing, strong legal frameworks, and political commitment have improved health outcomes.
Salako called on stakeholders at the dialogue—including policymakers, development partners, civil society organizations, and state commissioners of health—to share best practices and forge stronger partnerships that would sustain Nigeria’s drive toward universal healthcare.
“Our shared responsibility is to ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare, jobs, and health insurance,” he added.
NAN
