The Federal Government on Wednesday approved and released ₦32.9 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), marking the third round of disbursements in 2025.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced this in a statement titled “The Red Letter,” calling on Nigerians to actively monitor and ensure that the funds are properly used to improve healthcare services nationwide.
According to Pate, the new disbursement aims to strengthen Nigeria’s primary healthcare system by supporting basic health services, improving infrastructure, and providing emergency treatment resources.
“Today, the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has approved and released ₦32.9bn through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, the third round this year.
“This money is not sitting in Abuja. It has already begun its journey into the commercial bank accounts of primary health care facilities in every ward across Nigeria.
“It is your clinic’s money. It is your community’s chance. It is your country’s promise,” Pate said.
The minister explained that each healthcare facility has the authority to plan and spend the funds in collaboration with its local community.
“The health committee in your ward, your traditional leaders, your women’s and youth groups, your faith-based organisations—all of you are meant to sit together, decide together, and spend together on what will make your facility stronger, safer, and more ready to serve,” he said.
Prof. Pate emphasized that the BHCPF represents the heartbeat of Nigeria’s Renewed Hope agenda in health, reflecting the government’s commitment to both fund and entrust citizens with the responsibility of safeguarding public healthcare spending.
However, he cautioned that many communities often fail to follow up on how the funds are utilized.
“Too often, we have observed that communities stand aside. Our community members and institutions do not ask how the money is used, or if it reaches the people it was meant for. When that happens, silence becomes a loss,” he added.
Pate said The Red Letter serves as a national call for citizens to take ownership of local health governance, engage with ward health committees, and ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
“Each naira in this ₦32.9bn is a seed. When you nurture it with vigilance and pride, it grows into medicine, safe births, better infrastructure, and lives saved. When you neglect it, it withers into waste.
“Let this Red Letter reach every community, every ward, and every home. Let it remind us that the health of Nigeria lies in the hands of Nigerians.
“Together, we plan. Together, we spend. Together, we protect life,” the minister stated.
The BHCPF, established under the National Health Act, is a key component of Nigeria’s strategy to achieve universal health coverage by funding primary health centres, ensuring the availability of essential drugs, and improving maternal and child healthcare outcomes.
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