- Reaffirms Commitment To Quality Healthcare
By Emmanuella Oghenetega
To ensure seamless implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), the Federal Government has ratified critical disbursement approvals at the 11th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) Meeting held in Abuja.
These approvals, reaffirms the commitment of the MOC’s to timely and efficient health financing to strengthen primary health care delivery and advance progress toward Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate disclosed to stakeholders that, “more than 37 million health facilities visits have been supported through the BHCPF, marking a critical milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”
He further revealed that the achievement reflects collective efforts across the federal, state, and local levels, civil society, development partners, and the private sector. “It is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the broader Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Minister confirmed that local governments are now fully integrated into the health compact, working closely with state ministries and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to improve access at the grassroots level.
In his speech, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health, emphasized the importance of the MOC governance mechanism, in fostering collaboration across stakeholders and, strengthening implementation across the BHCPF gateways.
Dr. Salako noted that the involvement of civil society, coupled with improved alignment across agencies, is yielding visible impacts. “The President’s directive to unlock the health sector value chain is being actualized,” he said.
Dr. Oyebanji Filani, the Chair of the Health Commissioners Forum, disclosed that over ₦32 billion was disbursed in the first half of 2025 to support more than 8,000 primary healthcare facilities, citing infrastructure upgrades, improved equipment, workforce training, and a steady supply of essential commodities as direct outcomes.
“Citizens are seeing results; clinics are better equipped, health workers are more capable, and access to services is expanding. These efforts are translating into healthier and more productive communities,” Filani stated.
At the meeting, some of the key Resolutions and Outcomes included;
₦65.7 Billion in Fund Approvals:
The MOC approved ₦32.88 billion from Q1 2025 releases for BHCPF activities covering both Q1 and Q2.
Another ₦32.88 billion was approved for Q3 disbursements, expected by the end of August 2025 or upon release by relevant authorities.
Updated Implementation Guidelines:
The revised BHCPF Guidelines 2.0, provisionally approved at the 10th MOC, received full endorsement and will be disseminated before Q3 2025 ends.
Launch of Mini-DHIS for Real-Time Monitoring:
Rollout of the Mini District Health Information System (Mini-DHIS) begins in July 2025 to enhance data visibility and decision-making at the PHC level.
Leadership Strengthening:
Dr. Ogbe Oritseweyimi was announced as the new Secretary of the BHCPF MOC Secretariat. A former national lead at NPHCDA, his appointment is expected to boost coordination and governance.
Strengthening Sector Visibility:
The MOC resolved to increase the visibility of health sector reforms and positive outcomes, including through improved strategic communication, documentation of success stories, and enhanced media engagement.
