The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) has unveiled a proposed budget of ₦48.14 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s primary healthcare system. This proposal was presented by the agency’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyi Aina, during a budget defense session with the House Committee on Healthcare Institutions in Abuja.
Dr. Aina highlighted the agency’s focus on improving health outcomes, particularly in underserved communities, by addressing funding gaps and strengthening healthcare delivery mechanisms. Despite the availability of alternative funding streams such as the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and Vaccine Immunization Funds, Dr. Aina argued that additional government support is essential to achieving optimal performance.
Reflecting on the 2024 budget, he noted the shortfall in allocation but expressed optimism about securing more substantial funding in 2025. “If approved, this budget will significantly contribute to addressing critical health challenges and advancing primary healthcare services across the country,” Dr. Aina stated.
Other Health Agency Budgets
Similarly, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has proposed a ₦7.38 billion budget for 2025 to strengthen the country’s disease surveillance and outbreak response capabilities.
According to the NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, the funds will bolster preparedness and ensure Nigeria’s capacity to manage ongoing and potential outbreaks. Highlighting the country’s current battle with eight active disease outbreaks, Dr. Idris advocated for a dedicated contingency fund. “Without such a fund, the agency risks scrambling for resources during emergencies,” he warned.
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) also presented a ₦113 billion budget proposal for its 2025 operations. The Registrar, Dr. Fatima Kyari, revealed that the agency had been excluded from the 2024 budget and relied solely on revenues from doctors’ registration fees. She outlined plans for advocacy to engage more medical professionals while emphasizing the council’s role in alleviating pressure on federal health institutions.
Meanwhile, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has requested ₦130 billion to expand health insurance coverage in 2025. Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, the NHIA Director-General, reported that only 19.4 million Nigerians are currently covered, with 2.5 million benefitting from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. Dr. Ohiri outlined strategies to boost enrollment through private sector partnerships, telecom collaborations, and digital transformation initiatives.
Legislative Oversight and Recommendations
Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Institutions, Hon. Amos Magaji, emphasized the importance of adequate funding for healthcare institutions, linking a functional healthcare system to efforts to curb corruption. He noted that the high cost of accessing quality healthcare remains a significant challenge for Nigerians.
Hon. Magaji commended the various agencies for their detailed presentations and assured them that the committee would carefully review their proposals. “We are committed to ensuring these agencies receive the necessary funding to improve health outcomes for all Nigerians,” he stated.
