The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of over ₦32 billion to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and expand health insurance coverage.
The approval was granted at the fourth quarterly meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) for 2025, held on Friday in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Kachallom Daju, said the release of funds under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) reflects the federal government’s commitment to predictable financing, transparency and accountability in the health sector.
According to her, the quarterly rhythm of the MOC meetings has been firmly established, enabling closer monitoring of health sector performance across federal, state and local government levels. She said the funds will support improved service delivery at primary healthcare centres, boost health insurance enrolment and strengthen accountability mechanisms.
Daju added that the inclusion of civil society organisations, the private sector and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria has improved coordination, particularly at the level of local government-managed health facilities.
The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina, said regular disbursements have contributed to increased utilisation of primary healthcare services, improved immunisation coverage and higher uptake of essential health services nationwide.
Aina disclosed that from January 2026, BHCPF disbursements will follow new guidelines that provide differentiated funding based on service volume. Low-volume facilities will receive ₦600,000 per quarter, while high-volume facilities will receive ₦800,000, replacing the previous flat-rate system.
The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Kelechi Ohiri, said health insurance coverage has improved steadily, adding that the sector will focus on accelerating impact in 2026 to deliver better health outcomes for Nigerians.
