The Federal Government has restated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health financing system as part of efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, made this known on Monday in Abuja during the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue.
Salako emphasized that the dialogue was key to shaping Nigeria’s healthcare future, noting the government’s focus on sustainable and innovative financing models. He highlighted the steady increase in health allocations, from ₦434 billion in 2018 to ₦2.4 trillion in 2024, representing 5.18% of the federal budget. Additionally, the National Assembly approved ₦300 billion to cushion external aid shortfalls, while states also boosted health funding.
According to him, Nigeria’s health expenditure has risen from 3.4% of GDP in 2013 to 5.3% in 2024, a positive trend but still below expectations. He added that reforms such as the National Health Insurance Authority Act and the Vulnerable Group Fund were crucial to expanding insurance coverage and protecting vulnerable Nigerians.
Salako urged stakeholders to adopt best practices from countries like Ghana and Kenya to strengthen partnerships and accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward universal health coverage.
