Group wants health ministry’s capital funding discrepancies probed
By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
The nation healthcare system continues to face renewed strain as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed that only ₦36 million was released from the ₦218 billion approved for the ministry’s 2025 capital projects.
According to the report, Pate made the revelation Monday, February 9, in Abuja during the ministry’s 2026 budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services, explaining that the severe funding shortfall stalled the implementation of critical health projects nationwide.
“Out of the N218 billion appropriated to the health sector by the parliament for the execution of capital projects in the 2025 fiscal year, only N36 million was released,”
To this end, worried about the report the North East Health Awareness Forum (NEHCAF) called for a thorough investigation over the inability of the Federal Ministry of Health to get N218bn capital expenditure from the 2025 budget.
This is contained in a statement distributed to reporters in Bauchi by the Chairman of the Forum Abdullahi Ahmad and Secretary Ummu kulsum Rabiu.
“Our attention has been drawn to the wide publication in various national dailies, of the statement credited to Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, where he alleged that out of the N218 billion capital project appropriated funds for the health sector, only N36 million was released to the him.
“We express our profound shock and astonishment at this revelation made by the Minister. It is alarming to learn that only N36 million has been received by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare out of the staggering N218 billion earmarked for this critical sector,” it said.
The statement said “this disclosure raises serious concerns about transparency and the effective management of healthcare resources in Nigeria. The health sector is pivotal to the well-being of our citizens, and such discrepancies in funding allocation cast a shadow over our commitment to providing quality healthcare services.
“We are particularly troubled by the implications this may have for ongoing and future health projects that are vital for improving health outcomes nationwide.
“The Minister’s statement highlights the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the funding processes and to ensure that allocated resources are utilised efficiently and transparently.
“We call for immediate action from relevant authorities to address these funding issues and to uphold accountability in the management of public health finances.
“Under a democratic dispensation our citizens deserve a health system that is adequately funded and well-equipped to meet their needs. We remain committed to advocating for the necessary reforms to ensure that financial resources are not only allocated but also effectively utilised for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
“We urge all stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and the media, to collaborate in addressing these concerns and to work towards a more accountable and responsive health financing system.”
“Together, we can ensure that the promise of quality healthcare is fulfilled for every Nigerian.”
