FG disburses N32.9bn to states for primary health care delivery, urges citizens’ oversight
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), has rolled out a 10-year roadmap to significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses and drive the attainment of Universal health coverage in Nigeria by 2030.
The federal government has approved and released N32.9 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for primary healthcare delivery, marking the third round of disbursements in 2025.
Muhammad Pate, coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced this in a statement on Wednesday, while calling on citizens to take an active role in ensuring that the funds are used transparently and effectively.
According to Pate, the funds are aimed at strengthening primary health care delivery across the country by providing essential services, improving infrastructure, and supporting emergency treatment.
“Today, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has approved and released N32.9 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund the third round this year. This money is not sitting in Abuja; it has already begun its journey into the commercial bank accounts of primary health care facilities in every ward across Nigeria. It is your clinic’s money. It is your community’s chance. It is your country’s promise,” he charged citizens.
The Minister explained that each facility has the autonomy to plan and spend the funds in partnership with the communities they serve.
“The health committee in your ward, your traditional leaders, women’s and youth groups, and faith-based organisations, all of you are meant to sit together, decide together, and spend together on what will make your facility stronger, safer, and more ready to serve”, he added.
Pate lamented that community members often fail to monitor how funds are utilised, warning that such indifference could undermine the programme’s impact.
“Too often, we have observed that communities stand aside. Our community members and institutions do not ask how the money is used, or if it reaches the people it was meant for. When that happens, silence becomes a loss,” he said.
He reiterated the need for Nigerians to actively participate in local health governance, engage with facility committees, demand transparency, celebrate achievements, and ensure that the funds deliver tangible improvements in their communities.
“Each naira in this N32.9 billion is a seed. When you nurture it with vigilance and pride, it grows into medicine, safe births, better infrastructure, and lives saved. When you neglect it, it withers into waste.
Let this Red Letter reach every community, every ward, and every home. Let it remind us that the health of Nigeria lies in the hands of Nigerians,” he said.
The BHCPF, established under the National Health Act, serves as a key financing mechanism to strengthen primary healthcare systems nationwide and improve access to basic health services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
