President Bola Tinubu has allocated ₦2.48 trillion to Nigeria’s health sector in the 2025 budget, representing 5.18 per cent of the ₦47.90 trillion total budget.
This allocation includes ₦402 billion for health infrastructure and ₦282.65 billion for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Speaking at the budget presentation to the National Assembly, Tinubu described the ₦49.7 trillion “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace and Rebuilding Prosperity” as a collective effort to reshape Nigeria’s trajectory. “This is not a solitary fight but a collective endeavor to restore Nigeria’s greatness,” he said, emphasising the need for collaboration among government, institutions, private enterprises and citizens.
Compared to the 2024 federal health budget, which allocated ₦1.23 trillion out of ₦27.5 trillion overall expenditure, the 2025 budget reflects a monetary increase. However, the proportion allocated to health remains far below the 15 per cent benchmark set by the Abuja Declaration in 2001.
Tinubu outlined plans to strengthen primary healthcare, revitalise hospitals, and ensure access to quality care for all Nigerians. Despite these promises, public health advocates have raised concerns about the adequacy of the 5.18 per cent allocation in addressing critical health challenges such as maternal mortality, communicable diseases and underfunded healthcare facilities.
Experts have called for greater investment in the health sector to meet international standards and address Nigeria’s healthcare demands effectively. They warn that the low percentage of health funding compared to global recommendations could hinder progress toward achieving universal health coverage and improving national health outcomes.
The debate over healthcare funding in Nigeria continues, as stakeholders urge the government to prioritise health in national planning and ensure the well-being of its citizens.
