In a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system, the Federal Government has released N32.9 billion under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to enhance primary healthcare services nationwide.
The announcement was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, in a public message titled “The Red Letter: A National Call to Protect Our Health.” According to him, the funds have already been disbursed directly into the commercial bank accounts of Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) across all wards in the country. This marks the third round of BHCPF releases in 2025, aimed at ensuring that critical healthcare resources reach communities directly.
“This money is not sitting in Abuja,” Mr. Pate emphasized. “It has already begun its journey into the accounts of primary health care facilities in every ward across Nigeria. It is your clinic’s money. It is your community’s chance. It is your country’s promise.”
The minister urged Nigerians to take ownership of their local health facilities and participate actively in monitoring how the funds are used. He called on communities to join health committees, review spending plans, and demand transparency to ensure that the fund truly benefits the people it was meant for.
“Stand up and take ownership. Go to your health facility. Join the committee. Review the plan. Demand openness. Celebrate progress. And above all, make sure the fund truly protects the health of your people,” he said.
Mr. Pate described the BHCPF as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s renewed hope in health, a demonstration of government accountability and trust in citizens to safeguard public resources. He noted, however, that many communities fail to track how the funds are utilized, allowing waste to occur.
“Each naira in this N32.9 billion is a seed. When you nurture it with vigilance and pride, it grows into medicine, safe births, better infrastructure, and lives saved. When you neglect it, it withers into waste,” he cautioned.
Established under the National Health Act of 2014, the BHCPF aims to strengthen primary healthcare in Nigeria by reducing out-of-pocket costs and improving service delivery. The fund is jointly managed by the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), with direct transfers to accredited facilities.
As of June, the government announced a fresh disbursement of N32.88 billion under the BHCPF to revamp over 8,000 PHCs across the country. In September, NPHCDA Executive Director Muyi Aina revealed that the government has so far released N192 billion through the fund to strengthen primary healthcare nationwide.
This latest disbursement reinforces the government’s commitment to building a stronger, more transparent, and community-driven healthcare system—one where every Nigerian can access quality care close to home.
