By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Government has launched one of its most significant health financing moves in recent years, securing ₦68 billion for vaccine procurement and releasing ₦50 billion to settle outstanding arrears owed to health workers. The announcement was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, at the opening of the 66th National Council on Health (NCH) in Calabar.
Pate said the funds reflect a renewed commitment to strengthening primary healthcare and accelerating Nigeria’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage, in a statement disclosed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director and Head, Information and Public Relations.
“The results are beginning to show,” he stated. “Our expectation is that every state will increase its 2026 health budget by at least one percent. This money must reach the frontline, equipment, commodities and fully functional primary healthcare facilities.”
Declaring the meeting open, Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, said the Council highlights the joint responsibility of federal and state governments to ensure equitable access and financial protection for Nigerians. He outlined state reforms including six months of maternity leave, rural-focused palliatives, expanded health insurance coverage and the renovation of more than 100 primary healthcare centres.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said health insurance coverage has grown from 3 percent in 2019 to 17 percent today, representing about 37.4 million Nigerians. He warned that the pace of expansion is still too slow. He added that Cross River now leads with 28 percent coverage and that more than 10,800 PHCs have been revitalised nationwide, improving the national PHC quality score from 42 to about 70 percent.
Development partners including the World Bank, WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, the U.S. Department of State (formerly USAID) and the Global Fund were recognised for aligning their support with national health priorities. The ceremony also featured the donation of vehicles and medical equipment to the Cross River State Government by the World Health Organization.
Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom mni commended states such as Sokoto, Jigawa, Zamfara, Taraba, Delta, FCT, Plateau and Ekiti for strong implementation of the 2024 NCH resolutions. She said their progress demonstrates what is possible when political will aligns with administrative competence.
The 66th National Council on Health continues in Calabar where delegates are expected to adopt new resolutions to advance Universal Health Coverage in 2026.
