2025 Budget: President Tinubu Allocates ₦2.48 Trillion for Healthcare Revitalization

President Bola Tinubu has dedicated ₦2.48 trillion to the healthcare sector in the 2025 budget, accounting for 5.18% of the total ₦47.9 trillion proposed expenditure. Focus on Security, Infrastructure, and Human Capital Development During the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity” to the National Assembly, Tinubu emphasized his administration's core priorities: enhancing security, improving infrastructure, and fostering human capital development. Sectoral Allocations The healthcare allocation is the fourth largest in the 2025 budget, targeting infrastructure, basic healthcare, and human capital development. Other notable allocations include: ₦4.91 trillion for defense and security ₦4.06 trillion for infrastructure ₦3.52 trillion for education Commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiatives aimed at strengthening primary healthcare systems nationwide. “We have allocated ₦402 billion for infrastructure investments in the health sector and ₦282.65 billion for the Basic Health Care Fund,” he stated. Revitalization of Healthcare Facilities The president also announced plans to revitalize healthcare facilities across the country. The Federal Government will procure essential medications for distribution to public healthcare centers, enhancing access to quality care and reducing dependency on imported medical supplies. “This effort will ensure Nigerian hospitals are equipped with resources to deliver better healthcare services to all citizens,” Tinubu added. Healthcare Budget: Trends and Comparisons The 2024 healthcare budget stood at ₦1.5 trillion, representing 5.46% of the total expenditure. In 2025, while the healthcare budget has increased to ₦2.48 trillion in absolute terms, its share of the total budget has slightly decreased to 5.18%. Challenges in Meeting the Abuja Declaration Despite the increase in healthcare funding, Nigeria’s allocation remains far below the 15% target set by the Abuja Declaration of 2001, which calls for this proportion of national budgets to be devoted to health. Over the past 23 years, Nigeria has consistently fallen short of this commitment, highlighting ongoing challenges in prioritizing healthcare. Analysts continue to urge greater investment in the sector, emphasizing its crucial role in driving economic growth and achieving sustainable development. Addressing these funding gaps is essential to improve healthcare delivery and ensure a healthier, more productive population in Nigeria.