The World Health Organisation has called on Nigeria to raise public health spending to at least 20 per cent of total health expenditure, as the country’s 2025 allocation of 5.18 per cent of the national budget remains below the 2001 Abuja Declaration, and the 2013 Abuja+12 Declaration, in which African leaders committed to allocate at least 15 per cent of national budgets to health.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja at the ongoing National Health Financing Dialogue themed “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria.”

He urged Nigeria to raise public health spending to at least 20 per cent of total health expenditure, stressing that sustainable financing is the backbone of resilient health systems. He stressed that increased investment would reduce out-of-pocket payments, protect households, and strengthen pooling and prepayment mechanisms.

“With more than 223 million citizens, how the country finances health is vital for the well-being of its people and the future of the continent. The budget allocation for health should be raised to at least 20 %,” he said.

“Healthier populations are more productive, more resilient to shocks, and better positioned to drive inclusive growth.” “Nigeria’s progress is encouraging. The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, the National Health Insurance Authority Act, and the expansion of state-level insurance schemes are steps in the right direction,” he said.

While commending Nigeria’s recent reforms, including the National Health Insurance Authority Act, the expansion of state-level insurance schemes, and the BHCPF, Janabi said evidence-based approaches must guide spending to ensure fairness and efficiency.

He also pointed to equity and investment units, as well as parliamentary engagement through the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage, as models that could inspire other African nations.

The Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development at the African Union Commission, Amma Twum-Amoah, also called for stronger investment, emphasising that Africa must prioritise health security using its own resources.

Twum-Amoah further recalled the 2001 Abuja Declaration and the 2013 Abuja+12 Declaration, in which African leaders committed to allocate at least 15 per cent of national budgets to health.

She commended Nigeria’s approval of $1.7 billion for the HOPE Projects aimed at strengthening governance, expanding primary healthcare, and improving service delivery nationwide, describing it as a bold and visionary step.

“Amid today’s financing constraints, Nigeria has charted a bold path by approving 1.7 billion dollars for the HOPE Projects to strengthen governance, expand primary healthcare, and improve nationwide service delivery,” she said.

“This reflects vision and courage. Indeed, Nigeria’s leadership is critical, and we look to you not to disappoint Africa,” she said.

Nigeria’s 2025 health budget stands at ₦2.48 trillion, representing 5.18 per cent of total government expenditure. Key allocations include ₦402 billion for health infrastructure and ₦282.65 billion for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.