Nigeria’s healthcare landscape in 2025 is marked by significant strides in policy reforms, infrastructure development, and disease control. Yet, challenges persist, particularly in managing outbreaks and ensuring equitable access to quality care.
Major Healthcare Initiatives and Investments
In a bid to transform the nation’s healthcare system, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)-Healthcare Expansion Programme. This initiative aims to establish ten world-class oncology and diagnostic centers across the six geopolitical zones, building upon the success of existing facilities like the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre. Nairametrics+2The Guardian Nigeria+2State House of Nigeria+2State House of Nigeria+1The Guardian Nigeria+1
Complementing this infrastructure push is the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers, enhancing their capacity to deliver quality care. Additionally, the government absorbed 28,000 health workers previously funded by USAID, ensuring continuity in critical healthcare services, especially in underserved areas. The Guardian Nigeria+1State House of Nigeria+1Mondaq
To bolster health security, Nigeria secured a $300 million loan from the World Bank aimed at enhancing emergency response infrastructure, including disease surveillance and laboratory networks. Mondaq
Budgetary Focus on Cancer and Maternal Health
The 2025 budget underscores the government’s commitment to combating non-communicable diseases and reducing maternal mortality. Significant funds are allocated for cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative introduces low-cost technologies like ultrasound scans to improve antenatal care, aiming to lower maternal deaths in high-burden areas. Premium Times Nigeria+1The Guardian Nigeria+1
Furthermore, the government targets the repair of 2,500 obstetric fistula cases before the end of the year, having already repaired 879 across 19 centers. Vanguard News
Addressing Disease Outbreaks: The Lassa Fever Challenge
Despite these advancements, Nigeria faces ongoing health challenges. Between January and March 2025, Lassa fever claimed 118 lives, with 645 confirmed cases out of 3,465 suspected across 33 states. Healthcare workers were not spared, with 20 infections reported among them. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) responded by deploying Rapid Response Teams to affected states and activating the Lassa Fever National Emergency Operations Centre at Response Level 2. Vanguard NewsVanguard News
Policy Reforms and Health Financing
To enhance healthcare delivery, the government approved a N25 billion disbursement through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), focusing on facility financing and workforce incentives. Additionally, the retirement age for clinically skilled healthcare workers was extended from 60 to 65 years, aiming to retain experienced professionals amidst a critical shortage. State House of Nigeria+2Nairametrics+2Premium Times Nigeria+2Mondaq
Efforts to reduce healthcare costs include an 80% subsidy on dialysis treatments at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, making life-saving procedures more accessible. Abuja City Journal
Call for Increased Health Budget Allocation
Despite these initiatives, concerns arise over the health sector’s budget allocation. The AdvoKC Foundation urges the National Assembly to allocate at least 15% of the national budget to health, aligning with the Abuja Declaration. Currently, only 4.81% is allocated, raising questions about the government’s commitment to addressing critical health challenges. TheCable
Conclusion: A Path Forward
Nigeria’s healthcare sector in 2025 reflects a nation striving to balance ambitious reforms with pressing health challenges. While significant investments and policy shifts signal progress, the persistence of disease outbreaks and funding shortfalls highlight the need for sustained commitment and strategic planning. Achieving a resilient and equitable healthcare system requires not only governmental action but also active participation from all stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector.
Last Updated on May 6, 2025 by kingstar
