The Federal Government has unveiled a plan to boost domestic health financing and wean Nigeria off decades-long dependence on international donors, pledging higher public investment and expanded local manufacturing of essential medicines and medical supplies.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday at the HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Generative Workshop, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Ali Pate said reliance on foreign aid was “illogical” and urged a shift towards full local ownership of the country’s health system.
“For more than two decades, we have benefited from the generosity of partners like the US government and the Global Fund,” he said. “But the global health architecture we have relied on for 25 years was built on unsustainable foundations. We must strengthen local institutions and take responsibility for financing our health needs.”
Citing the recent suspension of World Health Organisation funds, Pate said the government would raise federal and state health budgets, ensure timely fund releases, retain donor-funded health workers and expand local pharmaceutical production. He urged state governors to channel more of their increased revenues into health.
“We cannot rely on others to invest in the health and well-being of our own people,” he said. “While we can’t change overnight, we must start now.”
Dr Temitope Ilori, head of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, said the workshop was focused on identifying funding gaps and building long-term sustainability plans. She stressed that Nigeria must take full ownership of its health response — from HIV and TB to malaria and maternal care — using government systems and mobilising domestic resources.
“The political will is there, the government is responsive, and we are committed to ensuring no gaps in service delivery,” she said.
