The Federal Government has approved ₦40.76 billion for the third quarter of 2026 under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and extended health insurance coverage to about 90,000 inmates in correctional facilities across the country.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja after the 16th meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) on the BHCPF.
Pate said the approved allocation of ₦40.76 billion represented an increase of approximately ₦7.88 billion over the ₦32.88 billion allocated in the previous quarter.
He explained that the decisions reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare, particularly for poor, vulnerable and underserved Nigerians.
According to him, the measures align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
The approved sum of ₦40,758,116,943.50 will be distributed among the four statutory gateways of the fund, with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) receiving ₦19.87 billion, representing 48.75 per cent.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) will receive ₦18.34 billion, representing 45 per cent, while ₦2.04 billion, or five per cent, is earmarked for Emergency Medical Treatment.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) will receive ₦509.48 million, representing 1.25 per cent of the allocation.
Pate noted that monthly statutory releases into the fund had increased from approximately ₦8.95 billion to ₦13.08 billion and subsequently to ₦20.43 billion.
He, however, stressed the need to ensure that increased funding translated into timely disbursement, transparent financial management and improved healthcare delivery.
The committee also approved the extension of health insurance coverage to approximately 90,000 inmates nationwide through the NHIA, following a request by the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The minister said the implementation would be subject to regular reporting and appropriate safeguards, adding that inmates already covered by state health insurance schemes would be excluded to prevent duplication.
In a related development, the committee approved measures to improve access to essential medicines through changes to the NPHCDA gateway, including pooled procurement via MEDIPOOL, Nigeria’s national Group Purchasing Organisation.
The arrangement is expected to incorporate value-for-money safeguards, pricing benchmarks and supply-chain monitoring to promote transparency, ensure quality and strengthen the reliable supply of essential health commodities.
Pate also announced plans to expand BHCPF-supported primary healthcare facilities from 8,309 to 13,521 nationwide.
The expansion will add 5,212 facilities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, increasing access to essential healthcare services at the grassroots.
The committee further considered a phased financing model to support states in recruiting Skilled Birth Attendants and Community-Based Health Workers and progressively absorbing them into their health systems.
To address delays in the release of funds, the MOC resolved to establish a subcommittee to investigate bottlenecks affecting the flow of money through the fund’s gateways, states and local government areas to health facilities.
The subcommittee is expected to submit its report within six weeks.
The committee also directed that letters be sent to state governors outlining the financial requirements for the NCDC to respond effectively to disease outbreaks.
On accountability, Pate disclosed that the Federal Government was collaborating with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to track health sector funds and prevent their misappropriation.
“Government will not condone any act that is capable of depriving ordinary Nigerians of the health goods these funds are meant for,” he said.
The minister commended the Katsina State Governor for releasing ₦243 million to the State Health Insurance Agency to expand coverage under the BHCPF.
He urged other state governments and the FCT administration to fulfil their counterpart funding obligations as stipulated in the National Health Act, 2014.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare financing, expanding access to essential services and ensuring that public investments in the health sector deliver measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians, particularly vulnerable populations.
The statement was signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
