The Federal Government of Nigeria has committed over N65 billion to bolster basic health services, specifically to support the ongoing implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) throughout 2025. This significant financial injection was a key resolution from the 11th Expanded Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting, held in Abuja and chaired by Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. The MOC approved an initial N32.88 billion from the first-quarter 2025 release, designated to cover BHCPF activities for both the first and second quarters of the year. This allocation is equally split at N16.44 billion per quarter, adhering to the 2020 BHCPF Guidelines, and is intended to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of vital health financing initiatives.

Furthermore, an additional N32.88 billion was sanctioned for the third-quarter implementation of the BHCPF, with its disbursement anticipated by the close of August 2025 or upon the release of funds by the relevant authorities. The Committee underscored its unwavering dedication to establishing timely and efficient disbursement mechanisms, a crucial step in fortifying Nigeria's primary healthcare system and accelerating the nation's progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). A notable outcome of the meeting was the formal approval of the revised BHCPF Guidelines 2.0, which are set for dissemination before the end of the third quarter. According to Minister Pate, these updated guidelines are designed to enhance implementation coordination and accountability across all levels of the healthcare system.

The MOC also confirmed the phased rollout of the Mini District Health Information System (Mini-DHIS), slated to commence in July 2025. This system aims to improve real-time data visibility and decision-making at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level. Stakeholders at the meeting provided critical updates on BHCPF gateways and support structures, highlighting various achievements, innovations, and future strategies to amplify the Fund's national impact. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) reported a cumulative disbursement exceeding N74.8 billion since the Fund's inception in 2019. As of Q2 2025, 2,649,221 beneficiaries have been enrolled under the BHCPF, ensuring coverage across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The NHIA has expanded total health insurance enrolment to 20,002,832 individuals, with future plans including finalizing the BHCPF implementation protocol, orienting stakeholders on the new guidelines, accrediting facilities, verifying enrollee data, and developing a citizen engagement framework.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) noted the deployment of 752 Programme Financial Management Officers (PFMOs), covering 98% of Local Government Areas (LGAs). To date, 6,512 out of 8,354 BHCPF-supported PHCs have been visited, demonstrating 78% active oversight. Additionally, 301 PHCs were revitalized in the last quarter, bringing the total to 1,163 completed facilities as of June 2025. The National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC) shared that 25 states now possess established Emergency Medical Service (EMS) structures, with 13 states and the FCT operational, and 12 additional states onboarded. So far, 2,890 beneficiaries have received emergency medical treatment through the EMS gateway, underscoring the expanding reach of timely, life-saving care.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) stressed the continued integration of disease surveillance and health security functions within BHCPF-supported PHC platforms to reinforce early warning systems and outbreak response at the community level. The SWAp Secretariat provided insights into harmonized sector-wide planning, joint sector reviews, and enhanced Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks, all of which contribute to greater coordination and accountability among health actors. The EU–SARAH Project, officially launched in December 2024, highlighted advancements in accountability, community engagement, and the utilization of digital tools for tracking service delivery. Implemented activities include training on adolescent- and youth-friendly services, strengthening public financial management, and preparing for the rollout of the Safer Birth Bundle of Care (SBBC), along with training on Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) and Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC), and enhancing Maternal Perinatal, Child Death Surveillance and Response (MPCDSR) implementation. The Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) identified opportunities for synergy between Global Fund-supported programs and BHCPF priorities, especially concerning integrated service delivery.

Earlier, Oyebanji Filani, Chairperson of the Health Commissioners Forum, during an interview at the 11th MOC meeting, revealed that over 8,000 facilities nationwide have received support in the past six months to enhance access to quality services and provide necessary commodities for patient treatment. Filani elaborated that N16 billion was disbursed to health facilities in the first quarter of the year, with another N16 billion following in the subsequent quarter. He stated, “The goal is very simple; it is to ensure that about 8,000 facilities across the country are able to provide access to quality services, and provide the commodities that are necessary to treat people.” He added that many PHCs across Nigeria are undergoing renovation, with significant resources dedicated to equipping and upgrading these facilities. Furthermore, extensive training has been provided to upskill health workers, ensuring they are capable of responding to current needs. Filani emphasized that these funds will guarantee the availability of essential commodities in these facilities, enabling more individuals to access high-quality services, which in turn will lead to a healthier and more productive population.

Speaking on the collaborative efforts, Professor Ali Pate remarked that the arrangement under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) is proving effective due to strong collaboration with all 36 state governors who have embraced it, aligning with the political backing of the President, LGAs, development partners, and all sector stakeholders. He noted that no single level of government alone can adequately address the critical issues of basic healthcare for all Nigerians, adding that through collective action, the country is beginning to make tangible progress. Pate concluded that at least 37 million Nigerians are currently accessing healthcare services at facilities supported through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, highlighting its widespread impact.