The Nigerian Federal Government has announced an ambitious plan to generate massive economic returns of ₦4.8 trillion annually through a major overhaul of the nation's health sector. This initiative, known as the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII), aims to recoup losses from preventable diseases and significantly transform healthcare delivery.
Reversing Medical Tourism and Boosting Funding
In a significant move, the government is also targeting a major reversal of the estimated ₦850 billion spent by Nigerians on medical tourism abroad every year. This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, during the opening of the 2025 Joint Annual Review meeting held in Abuja.
Furthermore, the Federal Ministry of Health is advocating for a crucial increase in the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). The proposal seeks to raise the fund's allocation from the current one per cent to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, a move intended to substantially boost primary healthcare financing.
A Vision for a Healthier Nigeria
Dr. Salako emphasized that the implementation of the NSHRII is designed to strengthen health security and bequeath a pandemic-ready health system to the country. He outlined a future with profound social returns, stating, "We foresee a massive social return in lives saved, with a potential 50 per cent reduction in preventable maternal and child deaths, advancing equity by closing the almost 19-year life expectancy gap between states."
To drive this ambitious health agenda, the government has established a robust roadmap featuring:
- 21 new strategic policies
- Expanded health insurance coverage
- Over 500 new high-impact projects
- 13 new federal tertiary health institutions
- Six cancer centres of excellence
The minister confirmed that the Primary Healthcare (PHC) fertilisation agenda is progressing, and the health research ecosystem is being reorganized to better reflect domestic priorities.
Addressing Systemic Challenges and Future Plans
This administration is pushing forward with bold reforms detailed in the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint. These reforms are aimed at tackling the numerous challenges plaguing the Nigerian health system, including workforce shortages, infrastructural deficits, financing gaps, and fragmentation.
Dr. Salako highlighted the government's strategic approach, which encompasses policy frameworks, collaborative efforts, infrastructure development, and manpower optimisation. He also noted a paradigm shift in health budget disbursement, particularly with the BHCPF, which is now tied to Disbursement Link Indicators (DLIs) to ensure funds are released based on results, not just processes.
On the critical issue of healthcare workers, the minister revealed an expansion strategy to produce more professionals. The government is also developing mechanisms to better retain these workers and is organizing Nigerian health professionals abroad to remain valuable assets to the nation's health system.
While acknowledging that the national health financing budget is still below the Abuja Declaration target of 15 per cent, Dr. Salako affirmed that progress has been made in the last two years and that the government will continue to explore innovative funding mechanisms.
