The federal government has approved the disbursement of ₦32.88 billion for the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) in over 8,000 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the third quarter of 2025.
The approval, aimed at strengthening basic healthcare delivery, was granted by the Ministerial Oversight Committee of the BHCPF at its 11th meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Abuja. This amount covers the cumulative allocations for April to June 2025 and is expected to be disbursed by the end of August 2025 upon fund availability.
The Committee approved the application of ₦32.88bn drawn from the first quarter 2025 release towards the implementation of BHCPF activities for both the first and second quarters of the year across ober 8,000 PHCs benefitting from the Fund. This represents ₦16.4 bn allocated per quarter, in accordance with the provisions of the 2020 BHCPF Guidelines, to ensure continuity and effective use of available resources.
Oyebanji Filani, the chair of the Health Commissioners Forum, disclosed that the over ₦32 billion disbursed in the first and second quarters of 2025 is enhancing service delivery to the beneficiary PHCs.
“We are seeing the impact on the ground massive renovations, re-equipping of facilities, training of health workers, and consistent supply of essential medicines. These efforts are making healthcare more accessible and improving the overall health and productivity of Nigerians,” Filani said.
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Filani also praised the federal government’s support and emphasized the need for continued accountability and alignment across all states to deepen the gains.
The MOC also approved the phased rollout of the Mini District Health Information System (Mini-DHIS) will begin in July 2025, enhancing real-time data visibility and decision-making at the PHC level.
Speaking at the event, Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasised the progress made through the BHCPF, citing over 37 million Nigerians access healthcare services through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund BHCPF. He described the achievement as a result of strong partnerships among the federal government, states, local governments, civil society, private sector actors, and development partners.
“The BHCPF is working because of the broad collaboration and alignment across all levels of government. No single tier of government can tackle basic healthcare challenges alone, but together, we are making steady progress”, Pate said.
Pate also linked recent macroeconomic reforms including the signing of the new tax bill and removal of fuel subsidies to long-term sustainability in funding health services.
On the alarming number of tuberculosis (TB) patients yet to begin treatment despite positive tests, Pate assured that the federal government has made provisions in the 2025 budget to procure more drugs to meet the growing demand resulting from improved TB detection efforts.
Also speaking, Iziaq Salako, minister of State for Health, said the BHCPF’s implementation is being driven by transparency and inclusivity. “The Oversight Committee showcases a model of governance that includes sub-national actors, civil society, and all key agencies. This synergy is leading to more effective service delivery,” he said.
The meeting ended with a renewed pledge to maintain momentum, strengthen sub-national commitment, and scale innovative solutions that will drive Nigeria closer to achieving 70% population coverage for basic healthcare services.
