WHO Urges Nigeria to Commit 20% of Health Budget to Public Health

Abuja, Nigeria — The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Nigeria to scale up its health spending by allocating at least 20 per cent of the national health budget to public health, stressing that sustainable financing is the backbone of resilient healthcare systems.

The call was made on Thursday in Abuja by the WHO Regional Director, Prof. Mohamed Janabi, at the National Health Financing Dialogue themed “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria.”

Janabi emphasised that increased investment in healthcare would ease the burden of out-of-pocket payments, shield households from financial hardship, and enhance pooling and prepayment mechanisms. He also called for evidence-based decision-making, such as equity analyses and cost-effectiveness studies, to guide fair and efficient allocation of resources.

Commending Nigeria’s recent health reforms, Janabi pointed to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, the National Health Insurance Authority Act, and the expansion of state-level health insurance schemes as crucial steps in strengthening the sector.

“With over 223 million citizens, how Nigeria finances health is critical not just for its people, but for the future of the continent. Healthier populations are more productive, more resilient, and better placed to drive inclusive growth,” he said.

The African Union’s Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah, also underscored the importance of prioritising health security, citing Africa’s abundant resources as an advantage to strengthen systems that can withstand pandemics and climate shocks.

She recalled the 2001 Abuja Declaration and the 2013 Abuja 12 Declaration, where African leaders pledged to dedicate at least 15 per cent of national budgets to health. Commending Nigeria’s approval of $1.7 billion for the HOPE Projects, she described the move as bold and visionary, urging the country not to relent in its leadership role on the continent.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Daju Kachollom, said President Bola Tinubu had directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to issue a circular mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to implement health insurance in line with the NHIA Act, 2022.

“The ministry will lead from the front. Mandatory health insurance is here to stay,” she assured.

The four-day dialogue, which ended on Thursday, brought together policymakers, development partners, experts, and private sector players to chart actionable strategies for sustainable healthcare financing in Nigeria.

By Adeola Olaniya | September 4, 2025.