The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, revealed that only 15.06% of the 2024 capital allocation for the health sector has been released, amounting to ₦26.552 billion out of the ₦233.656 billion budgeted for capital projects.
He attributed the delays to the Office of the Accountant General’s bottom-up cash plan policy. Additionally, no funds have been received from the ₦57.393 billion allocated for multilateral/bilateral loan projects.
While defending the 2025 budget before the Senate and House Joint Committee on Health, Prof. Pate outlined an increase in the 2025 health budget, which stands at ₦260.27 billion, with allocations for personnel, overhead, and capital projects.
He emphasized that the health sector is guided by Vision 20:2020, the National Development Plan 2021-2025, and the National Health Policy 2016, all focused on achieving universal health coverage and improving the primary healthcare system.
The Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, provide world-class facilities, and support local drug production through an Executive Order signed in June 2024.
He also called for national unity to support the health sector, noting that despite challenges, the sector has made significant progress, with Nigerian medical personnel being highly sought after globally.
