FG Seeks Stronger Public-Private Partnerships To Boost Healthcare Financing
Federal Government Urges Enhanced Public-Private Partnerships to Strengthen Healthcare in Nigeria
LAGOS — The Federal Government is advocating for stronger public-private partnerships to promote sustainable healthcare financing, bolster local manufacturing, and improve access to quality health services across Nigeria.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made the announcement during the opening of the FCMB Healthcare Summit 2026. He noted that ongoing reforms are fostering a conducive environment for increased private sector investment in healthcare.
Salako referenced several initiatives aimed at enhancing the health sector, including the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC). He stated these measures provide policy stability and create new investment avenues.
“Government cannot build Nigeria’s healthcare future on public financing alone, and the private sector cannot do so without the policy certainty, risk-sharing instruments, and guaranteed demand that only government can provide,” Salako said.
The minister also revealed that out of the ₦339 billion allocated through the BHCPF since its inception, ₦235 billion has been disbursed in the past three years under the current administration. The latest disbursement of ₦32.9 billion is benefiting over 8,300 primary healthcare centers nationwide.
Salako highlighted that health insurance enrollment has now exceeded 22 million Nigerians, thanks to the NHIA Act’s implementation, which aims to reduce out-of-pocket spending on healthcare and enhance financial protection for citizens.
Regarding local production, he mentioned that the PVAC is promoting the manufacture of medicines, diagnostics, and medical devices through targeted incentives, procurement reforms, and better access to long-term financing. Initiatives like Medipool are also aimed at boosting market confidence.
The minister welcomed the launch of the FCMB Dedicated Healthcare Fund, describing it as a significant step toward mobilizing private capital for healthcare delivery and local manufacturing.
He urged investors and healthcare providers to enhance corporate governance, adopt blended financing models, and invest in initiatives that support universal health coverage, local manufacturing, and robust health systems.
Salako reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to executing reforms designed to strengthen healthcare financing, expand domestic pharmaceutical production, and improve health outcomes for Nigerians.
