The Federal Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health financing system and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all citizens.
This declaration was made by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, on Monday at the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue in Abuja.
Speaking at the high-profile forum, Dr. Salako emphasised that the dialogue served as a critical platform for shaping the nation’s future health financing landscape.
“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 stated.
Highlighting Nigeria’s substantial investment in healthcare, Salako recalled that the federal health budget increased from ₦434 billion in 2018 to ₦1.6 trillion in 2021, with a further rise to ₦2.4 trillion in 2024, representing 5.18 per cent of the federal budget.
He noted that additional allocations of ₦300 billion were approved by the National Assembly to address external aid shortfalls, while sub-national governments also augmented their health funding.
“While total health expenditure as a percentage of GDP has risen from 3.4 per cent in 2013 to 5.3 per cent in 2024, there is still more work to do to meet global benchmarks,” he added, describing the progress as significant yet insufficient.
Dr. Salako highlighted critical reforms such as the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022 and the Vulnerable Group Fund, which are designed to expand health insurance coverage and shield the poor from catastrophic healthcare costs.
“Our target is to enrol at least 4 million Nigerians into the National Health Insurance Scheme by 2030, ensuring financial protection from healthcare expenses, which currently account for as much as 70 per cent of household expenditure,” he said.
The minister also stressed the importance of adopting best practices from other African countries, including Ghana and Kenya, where strong political will, innovative financing mechanisms, and decentralised implementation have improved health outcomes.
He urged stakeholders at the dialogue, including policymakers, civil society organisations, development partners, and commissioners of health, to exchange ideas and forge partnerships that would sustain Nigeria’s journey towards UHC.
Dr. Salako further reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a robust healthcare system that guarantees access to quality services for all citizens.
“Our shared responsibility is to ensure that every Nigerian has access to healthcare, health insurance, and the opportunity to live a healthy, productive life,” he emphasised.
The National Health Financing Policy Dialogue, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), convened diverse health stakeholders to chart a clear path for sustainable health financing in the country.
The forum discussed strategies for mobilising domestic resources, improving health sector efficiency, and integrating innovative financing models that support universal access to essential health services.
Experts at the dialogue highlighted that sustainable health financing is critical for addressing Nigeria’s growing population health needs, tackling the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participants underscored the necessity for government, private sector, and community-level collaboration to ensure the equitable distribution of health resources.
As Nigeria continues to expand its health infrastructure and funding mechanisms, the dialogue signalled a clear commitment by the Federal Government to transform healthcare delivery, reduce out-of-pocket spending, and provide a sustainable financial framework that guarantees healthcare access for all citizens.
With continued policy innovation, increased investment, and stakeholder engagement, the government aims to strengthen Nigeria’s health system and bring Universal Health Coverage within reach, reflecting a bold and decisive step toward the nation’s long-term socio-economic development goals.