From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare received only ₦36 million out of the ₦218 billion appropriated for its 2025 capital expenditure, a development that has significantly hindered the implementation of critical health projects, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has revealed.
Speaking on Monday, February 9, 2026, during the Ministry’s 2026 budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services, Pate explained that the minimal release made it virtually impossible for the Ministry to execute its planned capital projects for the previous year.
He noted that while the entire personnel allocation for 2025 was fully released and utilized, the capital component faced severe funding constraints.
The minister attributed the shortfall to the “bottom-up cash planning system” operated by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
He further explained that delays in the release of Nigeria’s counterpart contributions prevented the Ministry from accessing certain donor-supported funds tied to major capital projects.
“The implementation of the 2025 capital budget was stalled by circumstances beyond our control,” Pate told lawmakers, adding that the meager release left the Ministry unable to draw down on international grants.
Highlighting the strategic frameworks guiding the sector, the Minister cited Vision 20:2020, the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2021–2025, and the National Strategic Health Development Plan II.
He emphasized that Universal Health Coverage remains central to the Ministry’s mandate, particularly in strengthening Primary Health Care to deliver equitable and affordable services.
On the 2026 budget proposal, Pate said it was prepared in line with the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
He stated that the proposal aligns with the policy priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and aims to move closer to a 6 percent health allocation in the national budget.
The Minister added that the 2016 National Health Policy continues to underpin the Ministry’s programs to accelerate the implementation of the National Health Act.
In response, the Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, directed the Minister to provide detailed documentation on all donor funds received and their specific utilization to ensure effective oversight.
