February 03, (THEWILL) – The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a total of $1.07 billion in financing for healthcare sector reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme, as well as N4.8 billion for HIV treatment, signalling a major investment in Nigeria’s health sector.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed this after the Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja.
Edun disclosed that the World Bank’s concessional financing arm, the International Development Association (IDA), has provided two concessional loans of $500 million each, alongside $70 million in grant funding from other international bodies.
Speaking on the key components of the financing, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the HOPE programme aligns with the administration’s agenda to strengthen human capital development. The funds will be directed toward improving governance in healthcare and enhancing primary healthcare services nationwide.
“This financing will support recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare workers and teachers at the sub-national level”, Pate said. “Additionally, $500 million is dedicated to expanding the quality, utilisation and resilience of the primary healthcare system, including emergency maternal and child health services”, he said.
As part of broader healthcare reforms, the Council also approved N4.8 billion for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs over the next four months. This initiative, Pate emphasised, underscores the federal government’s commitment to providing life-saving treatment and reducing healthcare costs for vulnerable populations.
The FEC also discussed the implications of recent US policy changes on Nigeria’s health programs, particularly regarding HIV, tuberculosis and malaria funding.
Consequently, a multi-ministerial committee, including representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Health, Defense, and Environment, as well as the Governors’ Forum, has been tasked with developing a transition and sustainability plan to mitigate potential funding disruptions.
“This administration is committed to ensuring that those receiving treatment do not experience interruptions. We appreciate the US government’s contributions over the years and remain committed to a constructive partnership while strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system with domestic resources”, Pate assured.
Meanwhile, the FEC has approved projects worth N20 billion for the Nigeria Customs Service for procurement of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles and the construction of forward bases in remote areas, alongside a N1 billion life insurance policy for officers.
With these decisions, the Federal Government has reinforced its focus on healthcare, human capital development and financial sustainability, setting the stage for transformative improvements in the nation’s social services sector.
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