Nigeria’s Federal Government has taken a significant step towards strengthening its primary healthcare system with the approval of a ₦32.9 billion disbursement under the revised Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) framework.
This move aims to expand access to quality healthcare services and improve transparency in resource utilization.
The announcement was made at the 12th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting, where Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, unveiled the BHCPF 2.0 Revised Guideline. This policy instrument is designed to ensure equitable, efficient, and accountable delivery of basic health services nationwide.
The ₦32.9 billion disbursement is expected to support over 8,000 primary healthcare centers across the country, with plans to expand to 13,000 facilities under the new phase of the program. The funding will cover essential operational costs, health worker incentives, emergency services, and essential drugs.
Professor Pate highlighted the progress made so far through the BHCPF, including a fourfold increase in primary healthcare service utilization, with over 80 million patient visits recorded in the first two quarters of 2025. Additionally, over 21 million Nigerians have accessed services through the Vulnerable Groups Health Insurance Fund, and more than 15,000 women have benefited from emergency obstetric care reimbursements.
The BHCPF 2.0 framework introduces stronger accountability measures, including stricter public interest protocols and conflict-of-interest rules. A joint task force, in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has been activated to monitor fund utilization at the grassroots level.
The FG plans to collaborate with the National Assembly and key stakeholders to increase investments in primary healthcare through the BHCPF.
Development partners, including the WHO and UNICEF, have expressed confidence in the BHCPF framework, citing its governance structure and evidence-based decision-making.