The Federal Government has approved the sum of N40.76 billion for primary healthcare delivery across the country under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, BHCPF, for the third quarter of 2026.
The approval was announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, at the 16th meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee of the BHCPF held in Abuja.
The Ministerial Oversight Committee meeting brought together top officials of the health sector, representatives of relevant government agencies, development partners and other stakeholders to review the implementation of the fund and assess progress made so far.
According to Professor Pate, the meeting was convened to take stock of how the BHCPF has been implemented in the previous quarters, examine existing challenges and agree on practical measures to improve primary healthcare services across the federation.
He explained that the fund, which was established under the National Health Act of 2014, is designed to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and ensure that Nigerians, particularly those at the grassroots, have access to basic and essential health services.
The Coordinating Minister disclosed that rising government revenue in recent months has significantly improved the inflow into the BHCPF, leading to a substantial increase in the amount available for disbursement to implementing entities.
He noted that the monthly disbursements from the fund have nearly doubled compared to what was obtainable in previous years, a development he attributed to improved fiscal performance and stronger commitment by the Federal Government to the health sector.
Pate said the N40.76 billion approved for the third quarter of 2026 is intended to support eligible healthcare agencies, states and local government areas in expanding access to quality primary healthcare services.
He explained that the fund will be channelled through the established gateways, including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the National Health Insurance Authority, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and other relevant agencies involved in primary healthcare delivery.
According to the Minister, the allocation will help to ensure that primary health centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are adequately equipped, properly staffed and able to provide essential services to the people.
He stressed that the Federal Government is determined to ensure that funds released under the BHCPF are judiciously utilised and that Nigerians feel the impact at the community level where primary healthcare is most needed.
Professor Pate also highlighted that the BHCPF is targeted at supporting vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly and the poor, who often struggle to afford healthcare services.
He said part of the fund will be used to provide a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services to Nigerians, which includes maternal and child health services, immunisation, family planning, treatment of common ailments and screening for non-communicable diseases.
The Minister further disclosed that the oversight committee reviewed reports from implementing agencies and states on the utilisation of previous disbursements and identified areas where improvements are needed.
He said the committee emphasised the need for transparency, accountability and strict adherence to the operational guidelines of the fund to ensure that resources are not diverted or mismanaged.
Pate assured Nigerians that the Ministry has put in place robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the use of the fund and ensure that states and agencies comply with the agreed standards.
He added that the Ministry will continue to work closely with state governments, local government authorities and development partners to strengthen the primary healthcare system and make it more responsive to the needs of the population.
According to him, primary healthcare remains the foundation of any effective health system, as it is the first point of contact for most Nigerians seeking medical care.
The Minister noted that by investing more in primary healthcare, the government aims to reduce the pressure on secondary and tertiary health facilities, which are often overstretched due to cases that could have been handled at the primary level.
He said the increased funding for primary healthcare will also contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality, improving immunisation coverage and enhancing the country’s preparedness for disease outbreaks.
Pate commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for the health sector and for prioritising primary healthcare as part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also acknowledged the support of development partners, civil society organisations and health workers who have continued to contribute to efforts to improve healthcare delivery in the country.
Stakeholders at the meeting were said to have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the BHCPF achieves its objectives of providing financial risk protection and expanding access to essential health services for all Nigerians.
The meeting ended with a resolution to intensify supervision, improve data collection and ensure that funds disbursed under the BHCPF translate into tangible improvements in healthcare services at primary health centres nationwide.
Meanwhile, health experts have welcomed the approval of N40.76 billion for the third quarter, describing it as a positive step that will help to revitalise primary healthcare facilities that have suffered years of neglect and underfunding.
