The Federal Government has authorized the release of ₦32.9 billion through the updated Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Guideline 2.0 to bolster Primary Health Care services nationwide.
The funds are scheduled for distribution by the end of October 2025 via all implementation channels, including the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), among others, with the goal of enhancing health outcomes through performance-driven execution, transparency, and accountability in health fund management.
During the 12th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) Meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Health, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, reiterated the government’s dedication to fortifying Nigeria’s health systems, broadening access to quality care, and attaining Universal Health Coverage via ongoing reforms and collaborative implementation.
He noted that the BHCPF seeks to provide sustainable financing for primary health care and ensure access to quality essential health services for all Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.
The minister, who launched the Universal Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) 2.0 Revised Guideline, a critical instrument for enhancing accountability and efficiency in health financing, emphasized the importance of reinforcing Oversight and Transparency in the health sector through MOC reforms.
Key decisions from the meeting include the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC) launching a comprehensive digital platform within two weeks to improve emergency response efficiency and reporting. In addition, State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs) are directed to develop systems for monitoring claims processing within two weeks and present updates at the next MOC meeting.
Moreover, the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the states have been directed to identify and record implementation challenges. The Coordinating Minister will consult with the relevant governors to resolve these issues.
To maintain the accuracy of beneficiary data, states must provide the list of beneficiaries and their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to NHIA by the end of December 2025. Meanwhile, the DHSS is to work with Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) to ensure prompt reporting of disease outbreaks via public health systems, with NCDC offering technical assistance.
The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s healthcare framework, created under Section 11 of the National Health Act (NHAct) 2014. Its main objective is to fund the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS) and strengthen overall health sector financing.
BHCPF receives funding from various sources, including:
Federal Government Grant: An annual allocation from the Federal Government of Nigeria, amounting to at least one per cent (one per cent) of its Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).
International Donor Partners: Significant grants from international donor partners support BHCPF funding.
Private Sector and Other Sources: BHCPF accepts contributions from the private sector and additional funding sources to expand its resources and effectiveness.
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