By Folasade Akpan
The Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu, says the Senate’s approval of an increase in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) allocation marks a significant step for Nigeria’s health sector.
Ihekweazu said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja while reacting to the Senate’s passage of the National Health Act 2014 (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
She described the development as an important milestone toward strengthening Nigeria’s health system and advancing the country’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
According to her, the achievement reflects years of sustained advocacy by civil society organisations pushing for increased domestic financing for healthcare delivery across the country.
Ihekweazu said the bill’s passage by the Senate followed extensive advocacy and engagement required to sustain legislative and public support for the proposed amendment.
She, however, said the proposed increase demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening domestic healthcare financing and improving citizens’ access to essential health services nationwide.
“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.
“If implemented effectively, this additional funding can strengthen primary healthcare, support implementation of the NHIA Act and expand coverage for vulnerable populations,” Ihekweazu added.
She emphasised that proper implementation of the increased allocation could also reduce the burden of out-of-pocket healthcare spending borne by many Nigerians seeking medical care.
The health advocate, however, said that increasing the allocation alone would not automatically translate into improved healthcare outcomes without transparency and 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.
According to her, citizens must also be able to monitor how healthcare funds are allocated and utilised at primary healthcare facilities across the country.
Ihekweazu recalled that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, had in 2025 urged citizens to take ownership following direct disbursement of BHCPF funds to facilities.
She said active citizen participation and accountability would help ensure that the reform improved access to affordable and quality healthcare services nationwide.
“If that happens, this reform has the potential to improve access to quality, affordable care and bring Nigeria closer to achieving UHC,” she said.
Ihekweazu also commended Sen. Ipalibo Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, for sponsoring the amendment bill and supporting its passage through the Senate.
According to her, the senator demonstrated commitment and leadership in advancing efforts aimed at improving healthcare financing and strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
NAN reports that the BHCPF was established under the National Health Act, 2014, to provide sustainable financing for primary healthcare services in Nigeria.
The fund was designed to support a basic minimum package of health services, reduce out-of-pocket spending and improve access to healthcare, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations.
Under the existing law, one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) is allocated annually to the BHCPF to support primary healthcare facilities nationwide.
The Senate, however, passed the National Health Act 2014 (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (SB 886), on April 23, seeking to increase the allocation from one per cent to two per cent of the CRF.
The bill was first read in July 2025 and passed second reading in October 2025, with the proposed amendment aimed at strengthening primary healthcare financing and reducing financial hardship for Nigerians seeking healthcare.
Stakeholders in the health sector have intensified advocacy for increased domestic health funding following declining donor support and rising healthcare challenges across the country.
The amendment bill is awaiting concurrence by the House of Representatives before transmission to President Bola Tinubu for assent.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
