Nigeria's health sector is in a critical state, and it's time to shine a light on the issue. The country's commitment to its citizens' well-being is being questioned, and the numbers don't lie. Despite a 2001 declaration by African leaders to allocate at least 15% of their national budgets to health, Nigeria has consistently fallen short, and the consequences are dire.
In 2026, the proposed budget allocated a mere N2.48 trillion to health, which is a paltry 6% of the total budget. This is a far cry from the 15% benchmark, and experts are concerned about the impact this will have on an already fragile system.
But here's where it gets controversial: Nigeria's health sector faces numerous challenges, from a severe shortage of healthcare workers to outdated equipment and industrial unrest. And yet, the government's response seems inadequate. Experts argue that this lack of priority sends a clear message—the health of Nigerians is not a top concern.
The result? A brain drain of medical professionals, limited investments in essential infrastructure, and a health system that is struggling to keep up with the country's needs. And this is the part most people miss: the impact of these funding cuts extends beyond the health sector. It affects the country's economic growth, productivity, and overall standard of living.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that experts fear the situation may worsen, especially with the potential loss of foreign aid. While Nigeria has mobilized domestic funds, the gap remains significant.
The experts' plea is clear: the Federal Government must prioritize health funding as a matter of national development and security. But is this happening?
On December 19, 2025, President Bola Tinubu presented a budget proposal, promising consolidation and shared prosperity. However, the breakdown reveals that health remains underfunded, with only 6% of the proposed budget allocated.
While countries like Rwanda and South Africa have met the 15% commitment, Nigeria lags behind. A review of the last 24 years shows a consistent failure to meet the Abuja Declaration's target. A 2021 report by PACFaH@Scale highlights that Nigeria's average budget allocation to health over two decades was a meager 4.7%.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when health funding should have been a priority, Nigeria's allocation fell short at 4.5%. And the 2026 allocation is just one in a series of disappointments, with previous years' budgets also failing to meet expectations.
Medical professionals and pharmacists are speaking out, emphasizing that poor health funding weakens Nigeria economically and socially. The Lagos NMA Chairman, Dr. Babajide Saheed, highlights the leadership gap and lack of focus at the federal level. He believes that without a genuine interest and commitment to the health sector, Nigeria will continue to struggle.
Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, President of the NARD, faults the allocation and calls on policymakers to explain and defend their decisions. He emphasizes that building skyscrapers is not sustainable without adequate budgeting and improved healthcare worker welfare.
Prof Bala Audu, NMA President, calls for a proper structuring of the budget, focusing on critical components and capital investment in modern equipment.
Olumide Akintayo, a former president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, raises an important point: while meeting the 15% target is challenging, we must also question how previous budgets have been utilized. With little to show for earlier disbursements, the focus should be on accountability and ensuring that allocated funds are put to good use.
So, what's the way forward? How can Nigeria prioritize its health sector and meet its commitments? Join the discussion and share your thoughts. Is Nigeria doing enough for its citizens' health, or is more action needed? Let's talk about it in the comments!
