FG Raises Health Budget by 60% Amid Workers’ Prolonged Strike

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a significant 60% increase in the 2025 health budget, signaling a bold commitment to strengthening the nation’s healthcare system and boosting human capital development.

The announcement, made during the 2025 Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review in Abuja on Wednesday, comes at a critical time as the country grapples with prolonged strikes by healthcare workers, raising questions about the implementation and impact of this financial boost.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, revealed that the health budget has been substantially raised, with projections indicating a rise from ₦131 billion in 2024 to ₦298 billion in 2026.

Additionally, the Basic Health Care Provision Fund is set to more than double, while the government plans to mobilize ₦150 billion for vaccine procurement.

Mr. Edun emphasized that this investment underscores health as both a social priority and a catalyst for private sector growth, aligning with Nigeria’s broader economic transformation agenda.

During the event, Mr. Edun commended the Honourable Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister of Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, for his innovative leadership, describing Nigeria’s health reforms as a model of accountability and international recognition.

“The health sector stands out for its transparency and impact. It demonstrates how good governance can attract investment and deliver inclusive growth,” Mr. Edun stated.

Dr. Pate welcomed the fiscal commitment, pledging to continue driving innovation and partnerships to enhance the healthcare system. However, the announcement has been overshadowed by ongoing industrial action by healthcare workers, who have cited poor leadership, inadequate funding, and demotivation as key grievances.

A recent survey of Nigerian physicians highlighted that over 98% believe leadership training and a significant revision of compensation packages are essential to curb strikes, which have led to avoidable mortalities and further strained the already fragile health outcomes in the country.

Despite the government’s pledge, historical data reveals a persistent gap between health spending and outcomes. From 2000 to 2020, recurrent health expenditure rose from 15.2 billion Naira to 369.4 billion Naira, yet health indicators remain poor, with Nigeria’s health financing burden heavily reliant on the private sector and households.

The Lancet Nigeria Commission has called for a whole-of-government approach and increased political will to address these systemic challenges, a sentiment echoed by stakeholders urging the government to meet the internationally recommended 15% health spending target.