By Atoyebi Nike
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Nigeria to raise public health spending to at least 20 per cent of total health expenditure, warning that sustainable financing is the backbone of resilient healthcare systems.
Speaking on Thursday at the National Health Financing Dialogue in Abuja, WHO Regional Director, Prof. Mohamed Janabi, said increased investment would cut out-of-pocket expenses, protect households, and strengthen prepayment and pooling mechanisms.
“With more than 223 million citizens, how Nigeria finances health is vital for the well-being of its people and the continent’s future,” Janabi said, commending reforms such as the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, the National Health Insurance Authority Act, and state-level insurance expansions.
He also highlighted equity-focused reforms, parliamentary engagement through the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage, and evidence-based policymaking as models that could inspire other African countries.
Also speaking, Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, said Nigeria’s $1.7 billion approval for the HOPE Projects reflects “vision and courage,” adding that Africa must prioritise health security to withstand pandemics and climate shocks.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Ms. Daju Kachollom, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has directed a service-wide circular mandating all MDAs to implement health insurance under the NHIA Act.
The four-day dialogue brought together policymakers, development partners, civil society, and private sector players, with participants stressing the need to translate commitments into actionable strategies that will ensure sustainable health financing.
