Oct 15, 2026

FG Approves ₦40.76bn for Basic Healthcare, Extends Insurance to 90,000 Inmates

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria – 15 October 2026- The Federal Government has approved a significant ₦40.76 billion allocation under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the third quarter of 2026, marking a clear increase in investment in primary healthcare and extending health insurance coverage to tens of thousands of inmates across the country’s correctional facilities.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the decisions on Wednesday in Abuja after the 16th meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) on the BHCPF.

The new allocation of ₦40,758,116,943.50 represents an increase of roughly ₦7.88 billion over the previous quarter’s ₦32.88 billion, reflecting rising statutory releases into the Fund.

“These decisions reinforce the Federal Government’s commitment to quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare, particularly for poor, vulnerable, and underserved populations, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative,” Pate said.

How the Money Will Be Shared

The funds will be distributed across the four statutory gateways as follows:

- National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) – ₦19.87 billion (48.75%)

- National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) – ₦18.34 billion (45%)

- National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) – ₦2.04 billion (5%)

- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) – ₦509.48 million (1.25%)

Pate noted that monthly statutory releases into the BHCPF have risen steadily—from about ₦8.95 billion to ₦13.08 billion and more recently to ₦20.43 billion—driven by improved government revenues.

He stressed that higher financing must translate into timely disbursements, transparent management, and measurable improvements in health outcomes.

Health Insurance for Inmates

In a notable expansion of coverage, the Committee approved the extension of health insurance to approximately 90,000 inmates in correctional facilities nationwide through the NHIA.

The move follows a formal request from the Nigerian Correctional Service. Inmates already covered under existing state schemes will be excluded, and implementation will include regular reporting and safeguards.

Expanding Reach and Strengthening Supply Chains

The government also plans to scale up BHCPF support from 8,309 to 13,521 primary healthcare facilities nationwide—an addition of 5,212 centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Selection of new facilities will prioritize equity, disease burden, population distribution, and distance to existing services.

To improve access to essential medicines, the MOC approved the operationalization of pooled procurement through MEDIPOOL, Nigeria’s national Group Purchasing Organization, under the NPHCDA gateway.

The arrangement includes value-for-money safeguards, pricing benchmarks, and supply-chain monitoring.

The Committee further considered a phased financing model to help states recruit and progressively absorb Skilled Birth Attendants and Community-Based Health Workers.

Accountability Measures

To tackle delays in fund flow, a subcommittee will investigate bottlenecks from the gateways through states and local governments down to facilities, with a report expected within six weeks. Letters will also be sent to state governors outlining the financial requirements for NCDC’s effective response to disease outbreaks.

The Federal Government is collaborating with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to track health sector funds and prevent misapplication.

“Government will not condone any act that is capable of depriving ordinary Nigerians of the health goods these funds are meant for,” Pate stated.

He specifically commended the Governor of Katsina State for releasing ₦243 million to the State Health Insurance Agency to expand BHCPF coverage and urged other states and the FCT to meet their counterpart funding obligations under 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 health investments deliver tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable.