Nigeria’s proposed 2026 budget allocates ₦2.48 trillion to the health sector, a figure representing approximately six per cent of the total budget. This allocation falls significantly short of the 15 per cent benchmark pledged in the 2001 Abuja Declaration, a commitment made by African leaders to strengthen health systems across the continent. Experts express deep concern, noting that 24 years after this crucial agreement, Nigeria continues to miss this vital target, jeopardizing the nation’s health infrastructure and the well-being of its citizens.
The persistent underfunding exacerbates numerous challenges within the health sector. These include a critical shortage of medical personnel, often referred to as the “japa syndrome” or brain drain, coupled with inadequate welfare for remaining health workers. Obsolete equipment and frequent industrial actions further strain the system, creating a precarious environment for healthcare delivery. These domestic issues are compounded by a reduction in global health funding, adding another layer of complexity to an already struggling sector.
Health experts lament that successive Nigerian governments have failed to adequately prioritize the health sector, despite the Abuja Declaration’s clear mandate. This consistent underinvestment has left the nation’s health system fragile and overstretched. The consequences are far-reaching, contributing to the worsening brain drain of medical professionals and limiting essential investments in critical infrastructure, especially as donor funds continue to shrink.
Concerns have been heightened by potential funding cuts from international partners, including a pause in US foreign aid to Nigeria. While domestic efforts are underway to mobilize funds, the gap between needs and allocations remains substantial. Experts are urging the Federal Government to re-evaluate its priorities, emphasizing that robust health funding is not merely a sectoral concern but a fundamental pillar of national development and security.
President Bola Tinubu presented the N58.47 trillion “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity” for 2026 to the National Assembly. Within this proposal, the health sector received ₦2.48 trillion, translating to six per cent of the total budget. The President acknowledged international support, highlighting engagements that could bring over 500 million US dollars for health interventions, yet this does not offset the shortfall in the national budget allocation.
Unlike countries such as Rwanda and South Africa, which have met or exceeded the 15 per cent commitment, Nigeria’s health budget has consistently remained below this target. A review of budgetary allocations over the past 24 years reveals that Nigeria has never achieved the Abuja Declaration’s goal, often hovering below ten per cent. Reports indicate that the average allocation across two decades was approximately 4.7 per cent, with even the COVID-19 pandemic year of 2021 seeing a mere 4.5 per cent allocation.
Medical associations and professional bodies have voiced strong criticism regarding the proposed 2026 health budget. They argue that such consistently poor funding weakens Nigeria economically and socially, directly impacting productivity and overall living standards. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have pointed to a leadership deficit and a lack of genuine commitment to improving healthcare delivery at the federal level.
Dr. Babajide Saheed, Chairman of the Lagos NMA, stated that the allocation demonstrates a failure to prioritize health, suggesting a leadership gap and a lack of vision within the Ministry of Health. He emphasized that a society that neglects its health sector undermines its own economic and social stability, as an unhealthy population cannot contribute meaningfully to national progress.
Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, President of NARD, called for accountability from policymakers regarding the consistently below-par budget allocation. He stressed that investing in infrastructure without adequate budgeting and improved healthcare worker welfare is unsustainable. NARD also highlighted the problematic model of viewing hospitals solely as revenue-generating entities, which prevents them from meeting basic operational needs.
Professor Bala Audu, President of the NMA, advocated for a more structured budgeting process, emphasizing the need for bottom-up approaches and proper allocation for critical components of healthcare delivery. He also stressed the importance of capital investment in acquiring modern equipment through partnerships. Former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Olumide Akintayo, questioned the utilization of previous health budgets, suggesting that accountability for past disbursements is as crucial as future allocations.
Akintayo further noted that while meeting the 15 per cent target is challenging given Nigeria’s other pressing needs like security and infrastructure, the key question remains the effective utilization of allocated funds. He pointed out the lack of visible legacy projects from recent budgets, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in how health sector funds are managed and disbursed.
