Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, says the federal government has approved the disbursement of N40.76 billion under the basic health care provision fund (BHCPF) for the third quarter of 2026.
The allocation represents an increase of N7.88 billion from the N32.88 billion approved for the second quarter.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ado Bako, assistant director, information and public relations at the federal ministry of health and social welfare, Pate spoke at the 16th meeting of the ministerial oversight committee (MOC) on the BHCPF.
He said the approval reinforced the government’s commitment to quality, affordable and accessible healthcare to poor, vulnerable and underserved populations, in line with the renewed hope agenda and the Nigeria health sector renewal investment initiative (NHSRII).
The minister said the approved fund would be disbursed through four gateways.
He said the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) would receive N19.87 billion, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) N18.34 billion, the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) N2.04 billion and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) N509.48 million.
Pate said monthly statutory releases into the fund had increased from approximately N8.95 billion to N13.08 billion, and subsequently to N20.43 billion.
The minister reiterated that the increased financing must translate into timely disbursement, transparent financial management and improved health outcomes.
He said the committee also approved an extension of health insurance coverage to approximately 90,000 inmates in correctional facilities nationwide through the NHIA.
“Implementation will be subject to regular reporting and safeguards, with inmates already covered by state schemes excluded,” the statement reads.
“To improve access to essential medicines, the MOC approved the operationalisation of changes to the NPHCDA gateway, including pooled procurement through MEDIPOOL, Nigeria’s national group purchasing organisation.
“The arrangement will incorporate value-for-money safeguards, pricing benchmarks and supply-chain monitoring to strengthen transparency, quality assurance and reliable commodity supply.”
Pate added that plans are underway to expand BHCPF support from 8,309 to 13,521 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) nationwide.
He said 5,212 PHCs would be added across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The committee further considered a phased financing model to support states in recruiting and progressively absorbing skilled birth attendants and community-based health workers,” Pate said.
“To address funding delays, the MOC resolved to establish a subcommittee to investigate bottlenecks in the flow of funds through the gateways, states and local government areas to health facilities.
“The subcommittee is expected to report within six weeks. The committee also directed that letters be sent to state governors on the financial requirements for NCDC to respond adequately to disease outbreaks.
On accountability, the minister said the federal government would collaborate with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to track health sector funds and prevent their misapplication.
