By Emmanuella Oghenetega
Following reports circulating various social media platforms that only ₦68 million was allocated to primary health care in the 2026 budget, the Ekiti State Government has refuted the claims, tagging it as false and misleading.
In a statement signed by Mr. Wale Obelewaji, Information Officer, Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services, it was revealed that the ₦68 million being quoted refers to one narrow capital budget line item under PHC.
It read in parts, “It does not represent total PHC funding, total health funding, or the resources available to primary health care through insurance, personnel costs, donor-supported programmes, or local government spending.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Primary Health Care (PHC) is primarily the responsibility of the Local Government Areas (LGAs), though in practice it operates under a shared, tripartite responsibility structure involving local, state, and federal governments.
“The LGs are responsible for maintenance of PHC centers.
“They provide operational expenses required for the delivery of basic services such as immunizations, maternal/child care, and health education.
“The State Government Coordinates PHC implementation within the state through the State Primary Health Care Development Agency. They are responsible for supervision, setting up the framework, and supporting local governments with personnel and infrastructure.
The statement revealed that the 2026 budget actually shows health financing in Ekiti State, spread across multiple agencies and funding streams. It disclosed that in the 2026 budget, the total allocation to the health sector is ₦19.65 billion, covering institutions such as: Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme (EKHIS), Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Hospitals Management Board, Drugs and Health Supplies Management Agency and State Agency for the Control of AIDS.
It further disclosed that when all health-sector votes are considered together, over ₦2 billion is allocated to primary health care in the 2026 budget alone. This amount, the statement revealed excludes state investments in the social determinants of health, such as water and sanitation, which are spread across other Ministries.
“The selective focus on ₦68 million is therefore a misrepresentation of the same budget document.
“The 2026 health budget will enable the state build on the gains already made and accelerate our goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030.”
