Nigeria Deploys N118bn for Vaccines and Health Worker Arrears, Targets Universal Health Coverage

The Federal Government has disbursed N68 billion for vaccine procurement and deployed N50 billion to settle outstanding arrears for health workers, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced on Thursday.

Pate made the disclosure during the 66th meeting of the National Council on Health in Calabar, Cross River State, themed “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience, and Innovation.” He confirmed that the vaccine funds have been credited to the account of the National Primary Health Care Agency, with the Central Bank of Nigeria set to process the funds for UNICEF.

The minister emphasized that these measures demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to improving health financing and advancing Nigeria’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He urged states to mirror federal efforts by allocating and effectively deploying additional resources for healthcare delivery.

“From the Federal Government side, we got approval for N68 billion for vaccine financing last week, which was credited to the Primary Health Care Agency, and CBN will start processing it for UNICEF. Similarly, N50 billion has been deployed to clear outstanding health worker arrears. These actions reflect our commitment to closing the gap between appropriations and fund releases,” Pate said.

He further encouraged states to increase their health sector budgets by at least one per cent in 2026 compared to 2025, emphasizing the importance of investing in primary healthcare, hospitals, medical equipment, vaccines, and reproductive health commodities.

Last week, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, announced plans to raise nearly N150 billion for vaccine procurement for 2025 and 2026. Pate reiterated that quality healthcare requires adequate funding and stressed the need for a gradual increase in the federal health budget, aiming for a minimum of six per cent allocation in the coming years.

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, represented by his Deputy Peter Odey, highlighted that the National Council on Health remains the country’s highest decision-making body on health. He urged full commitment to implementing policies that strengthen primary healthcare, build a sustainable health workforce, and expand health and social insurance schemes to accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage.