Reacting to the development, the Managing Director of , Vivianne Ihekweazu, described the decision as a major breakthrough capable of transforming healthcare delivery, especially at the grassroots level.
The Senate recently passed the National Health Act 2014 (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes increasing the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) allocation from one per cent to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).
Speaking in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ihekweazu said the amendment represented more than just a policy adjustment, noting that it reflected years of persistent advocacy by civil society groups and health stakeholders demanding stronger domestic financing for healthcare.
She explained that the move comes at a critical time when donor support for healthcare programmes continues to decline, leaving Nigeria with the urgent responsibility of strengthening its own health financing structures.
“At a time when donor funding has continued to decline and primary healthcare remains underfunded, increasing the BHCPF from one per cent to two per cent sends a strong message.”
According to her, if properly implemented, the increased allocation could significantly improve primary healthcare services, expand insurance coverage for vulnerable populations and support the implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act.
She further stressed that the reform could reduce the heavy financial burden many Nigerians face when seeking medical treatment, particularly those who still rely heavily on out-of-pocket payments.
However, the public health advocate warned that increased funding alone would not automatically guarantee better healthcare outcomes without strong accountability mechanisms.
“What matters most now is that these resources reach the facilities for which the funds are intended. Greater transparency and accountability are essential if this increased investment is to translate into better services and improved health outcomes.”
Ihekweazu added that citizens must be actively involved in monitoring how healthcare funds are utilised in primary healthcare centres across the country to ensure the money reaches underserved communities.
She also referenced comments made in 2025 by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, who encouraged Nigerians to take ownership of healthcare reforms following the direct disbursement of BHCPF funds to healthcare facilities.
According to her, public participation and transparency would be key to ensuring the reform achieves its intended goals.
“If that happens, this reform has the potential to improve access to quality, affordable care and bring Nigeria closer to achieving UHC.”
Ihekweazu also praised Ipalibo Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, for sponsoring and supporting the amendment bill through the legislative process.
She commended the senator’s leadership and commitment toward improving healthcare financing and strengthening Nigeria’s health system at a time when the sector faces growing pressure.
The Basic Health Care Provision Fund was established under the National Health Act of 2014 to provide sustainable financing for primary healthcare services nationwide. The initiative was designed to support a minimum package of essential health services, improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations and reduce excessive out-of-pocket spending.
Under the existing law, one per cent of the CRF is allocated annually to the BHCPF. The newly passed amendment seeks to double that allocation to two per cent, a move many stakeholders believe could help address longstanding gaps in Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.
The bill, first introduced in July 2025 and passed for second reading in October 2025, is currently awaiting concurrence by the House of Representatives before it is transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Health sector stakeholders have increasingly intensified calls for greater domestic funding as Nigeria battles rising healthcare challenges, inflation-driven medical costs and declining international donor assistance.