FG To Disburse ₦32.9b Basic Healthcare Fund To States Before October Ending
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The Federal Government says it will disburse ₦32.9 billion from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to states and health facilities before the end of October, following the launch of a new guideline to strengthen accountability and performance.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced the plan in a statement on Wednesday.
He said the BHCPF Guideline 2.0 will institutionalize performance-based financing and transparency in fund utilization across the country’s health system.
“In line with President Bola Tinubu’s charge for transparency and accountability, the Expanded Ministerial Oversight Committee for the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative met to review progress in strengthening Nigeria’s health system,” Pate said.
According to the minister, more than 80 million visits were recorded at primary health centers in the first half of 2025—four times the number in 2023—while health insurance coverage has risen to over 21 million Nigerians.
He added that over 11,000 pregnant women received emergency care, 15,000 benefited from obstetric treatment, and more than 500,000 were enrolled for maternal care, contributing to a 12 percent drop in maternal mortality.
Pate said the updated guideline will expand supported facilities from 8,800 to 13,000, with a pathway to 17,000 through the HOPE Programme. Facility funding has been increased from ₦300,750 to between ₦600,000 and ₦800,000 per quarter.
He noted that BHCPF-supported centers outperform others across key health indicators such as immunization and skilled birth attendance. To ensure accountability, a joint task force with ICP Nigeria has been activated to monitor fund use at both facility and community levels.
The minister emphasized that improved data verification and integration of National Identification Numbers into health records will enhance tracking of beneficiaries and ensure equitable service delivery.
He added that the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) served more than 11,000 emergency patients in the last quarter, disbursing ₦470 million and operating in 150 local government areas.
Pate said Nigerians can access emergency care by dialing 112 in 30 states, with nationwide coverage expected by December 2025.
He also announced plans for a Mini-Demographic and Health Survey in 2026 to provide independent national data on maternal and child health outcomes.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria’s health sector is redefining accountable governance anchored on results, integrity, and inclusion,” Pate said.