From Abba Dukawa, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has allocated N2.48 trillion to Nigeria’s health sector in the 2025 budget, which represents 5.18 percent of the total N47.90 trillion proposed budget.
The allocation includes N402 billion for health infrastructure, while N282.65 billion is earmarked for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Tinubu presented the N49.7 trillion 2025 budget on Wednesday, dubbing it the “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace and Rebuilding Prosperity.”
In his address to the National Assembly, the president emphasized the need for a collective effort to “rewrite Nigeria’s narrative.”
He stated that the responsibility of changing the country’s trajectory lies not only with the government but also with institutions, private enterprises, and citizens.
“This is not a solitary fight but a collective endeavor to restore Nigeria’s greatness,” he said.
The president described the 2025 budget as “ambitious” and aimed at securing the country’s future.
In comparison, the 2024 federal health budget was N1.23 trillion out of a total expenditure of N27.5 trillion, which included N125.7 billion for the BHCPF.
Despite the increase in the 2025 allocation, the share of the budget dedicated to health remains well below the 15 percent target set by the 2001 Abuja Declaration.
In his speech, Tinubu highlighted plans to strengthen primary healthcare systems, revitalize hospitals, and ensure access to quality care for all Nigerians.
However, public health advocates have raised concerns that the 5.18 percent allocation may not be enough to address the country’s major health challenges, such as maternal mortality, communicable diseases, and underfunded healthcare facilities.
Experts have called for a more substantial investment in healthcare to meet international standards and address Nigeria’s growing health needs.
The reduced share for health in the 2025 budget has sparked debates over the country’s ability to achieve universal health coverage and improve overall health outcomes.
This allocation continues to fuel discussions on how best to prioritize healthcare in national development planning and ensure the well-being of Nigeria’s population.
