The Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu, has welcomed the Senate’s decision to increase funding for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), describing it as a critical development for Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Ihekweazu made the remarks in Abuja on Tuesday while reacting to the Senate’s passage of the National Health Act 2014 (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
She said the proposed increase in the BHCPF allocation from one per cent to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) marked a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
According to her, the development demonstrates the country’s growing commitment to strengthening domestic healthcare financing at a time when donor support for health programmes continues to decline.
She noted that the Senate’s approval followed years of advocacy by civil society organisations seeking improved funding for primary healthcare services nationwide.
“At a time when donor funding has continued to decline and primary healthcare remains underfunded, increasing the BHCPF from one per cent to two per cent sends a strong message,” Ihekweazu said.
She explained that the additional funding, if effectively implemented, could improve primary healthcare delivery, support the implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act and expand healthcare coverage for vulnerable Nigerians.
Ihekweazu also said the reform could significantly reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, which remain a major challenge for many citizens seeking medical treatment.
Despite welcoming the development, she cautioned that increased funding alone would not guarantee improved healthcare outcomes without strong accountability measures.
“What matters most now is that these resources reach the facilities for which the funds are intended,” she said.
She stressed the need for greater transparency in the management and utilisation of healthcare funds to ensure that increased investment translates into better services and improved health outcomes.
The Nigeria Health Watch boss also urged citizens to actively monitor the allocation and use of healthcare resources at primary healthcare facilities across the country.
She recalled that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, had in 2025 encouraged Nigerians to take ownership of the reform process following direct disbursement of BHCPF funds to health facilities.
Ihekweazu further praised Sen. Ipalibo Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, for sponsoring the amendment bill and supporting efforts to strengthen healthcare financing in Nigeria.
The Basic Health Care Provision Fund was established under the National Health Act 2014 to provide sustainable funding for primary healthcare and improve access to healthcare services, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities.
The amendment bill, passed by the Senate on April 23, seeks to double the annual allocation to the fund and is currently awaiting approval by the House of Representatives before being transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
