The Federal Government has urged state governments to boost their health sector budgets as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery and accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage.
Addressing the National Council on Health in Calabar, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, stressed that quality healthcare cannot be achieved without sufficient funding.
The National Council on Health, a high-level governance body responsible for shaping and coordinating national health policies, convenes federal and state health leaders to evaluate progress and define strategic directions for the sector.
Prof. Pate called on states to ensure at least a one per cent increase in their health budgets for 2026 compared to 2025.
He highlighted the critical need to invest in primary healthcare, hospitals, medical equipment, vaccines, and reproductive health commodities.
“As we look forward, we expect faster progress for Nigeria in terms of reaching the universal health coverage targets. But we’re still far below where we need to be. Quality health is not cheap. You have to invest in it. So, as we get to 2026, we’re working very hard to advocate so that we have at least a 0.6 per cent increase in the portion of health in the Federal Government budget, at least to get to six per cent.
“Already, we are at an unprecedented level in terms of prioritisation of health in the federal budget, and thanks to Mr. President. But we need to continue to build because the infrastructure is there to deliver it, and the results are beginning to show.
“So, I urge each of the states and Your Excellencies (the Commissioners of Health) to convey our message to all state governors, borrowing from my colleagues, the Commissioners of Health. We hope that in 2026 each state will see at least a one per cent increase in their health budget relative to 2025. That’s our prayer as we start this, so that the states also increase their contribution to health.”
He added that these funds would be strictly earmarked for essential health needs such as primary healthcare, medical equipment, vaccines, and reproductive health supplies.
Prof. Pate further stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, urging civil society organisations to assist in monitoring the use of resources.
Reflecting on previous achievements, the Minister recalled that two years ago in Ekiti State, the Council took landmark decisions aimed at reforming Nigeria’s health system at all levels.
He noted that a sector-wide approach was adopted to strengthen governance, improve efficiency, and enhance healthcare quality nationwide.
“The reforms initiated at that time targeted critical areas of the health system, such as expanding primary healthcare services and health insurance coverage, revamping hospitals, improving human resources for health, strengthening supply chains, and integrating innovative health technologies. He said the reforms are already yielding tangible results.
“At the Joint Annual Review last week, we noticed a 17 per cent reduction in maternal mortality through the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative in local government areas.
“At least, we’re changing the trajectory. Neonatal mortality is beginning to improve, access is improving, quality remains high, and the confidence of Nigerians in the health sector is going up. That is precisely why President Bola Tinubu unveiled the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative in December 2023 so that we do precisely that under his leadership,” he stated.
In his remarks, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State stressed that the Council, as the nation’s highest decision-making body on health matters, deserves full attention and commitment to policy execution.
Represented by his Deputy, Peter Odey, Otu added that the Council’s theme should inspire collective determination to provide quality healthcare to all Nigerians.
“We should be determined to make a difference in ensuring healthcare is available to all Nigerians, whether rich or poor. This session of the National Council on Health should bring us closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage by strengthening primary healthcare, building a sustainable health workforce, and providing health and social insurance schemes.
“Our collective goal is to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses, particularly for the vulnerable. This is our earnest desire for the 66th session of the NCH. As a state government, we are intentional in adopting and implementing policy in this direction. This initiative includes a primary healthcare-based palliative programme which targets rural pregnant women, children under five, and the elderly over 70.”
Governor Otu further highlighted that Cross River State is among the first to implement a six-month maternity leave policy for pregnant women.
He also noted that the state has been commended for its strong compliance with nutrition standards, as observed during a recent national assessment.
