The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on Nigeria to increase public health spending to at least 20 percent of the national budget to strengthen its healthcare system.
The appeal was made by WHO Regional Director, Prof. Mohamed Janabi, on Thursday in Abuja during the National Health Financing Dialogue themed “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria.”
Janabi described sustainable healthcare financing as the backbone of resilient health systems, stressing that higher investment would reduce out-of-pocket spending, protect households, and improve access to care through stronger prepayment and pooling mechanisms.
“With over 223 million citizens, how Nigeria finances health is critical not just for its people but for Africa’s future. Healthier populations are more productive, more resilient to shocks, and better positioned to drive inclusive growth,” he said.
Commending Nigeria’s health reforms, including the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, the National Health Insurance Authority Act, and the expansion of state-level insurance schemes, Janabi noted that these were important steps toward universal health coverage.
He also pointed to equity and investment units and the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage as models that could inspire other African nations.
Speaking at the event, African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah, stressed the need for Africa to invest in health security using its abundant resources. She praised Nigeria’s approval of $1.7 billion for the HOPE Projects, aimed at strengthening governance, expanding primary healthcare, and improving service delivery.
“Indeed, Nigeria’s leadership is critical, and we look to you not to disappoint Africa,” she said, reminding participants of the 2001 Abuja Declaration where African leaders pledged to allocate at least 15 percent of national budgets to health.
Also, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Daju Kachollom, revealed that President Bola Tinubu had directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to implement health insurance under the National Health Insurance Authority Act, 2022.
“Mandatory health insurance is here to stay, and the ministry will lead from the front,” she assured.
The four-day dialogue brought together policymakers, development partners, civil society, academia, private sector representatives, and the media. It aimed to build a stronger evidence base and translate commitments into actionable strategies for sustainable health financing in Nigeria.
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