The Senate has passed a bill amending the National Health Act, 2014, to increase the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from one percent to two percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), marking a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s health financing framework.
The amendment seeks to expand funding for primary healthcare, improve access to affordable and quality services, and reduce catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses for millions of Nigerians.
It also aims to safeguard essential health services and immunization programmes amid declining donor support, enhance epidemic preparedness and community resilience, and boost workforce productivity by protecting the health of Nigerian citizens.
Leading debate on the bill, which was first read on July 9, 2025, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Harry, described the amendment as both a “legal and moral imperative.”
“It is a moral duty and constitutional responsibility for government to guarantee the welfare of its citizens. Increasing the BHCPF allocation will help achieve universal health coverage and protect vulnerable Nigerians from the financial burden of illness,” she said.
If signed into law, the revised funding structure is expected to significantly improve the delivery of primary healthcare services across the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and help Nigeria achieve its health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
