Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced plans to host the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue from September 1–4 in Abuja. The event aims to address Nigeria’s persistent health financing challenges and chart sustainable solutions.

According to Mr. Shoretire, the dialogue will translate high-level commitments into actionable strategies that strengthen Nigeria’s health financing system. The National Health Financing Policy (NHFP) provides a framework for mobilising, pooling, and allocating resources to promote equity, reduce out-of-pocket spending, and expand insurance coverage toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Despite reforms, Nigeria allocates less than 5% of its national budget to health—far below the 2001 Abuja Declaration commitment of 15%. Out-of-pocket expenditure remains alarmingly high at about 76% of total health spending, among the highest globally, pushing millions of households into poverty.

The dialogue will bring together policymakers, development partners, civil society, academia, private sector players, and health insurance providers to explore reforms. Experts say discussions will focus on implementing the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, expanding the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), and exploring innovative financing models such as public-private partnerships, sin taxes, and donor coordination.

Health economist Maimuna Abdullahi stressed the need to reduce reliance on out-of-pocket spending for Nigeria to achieve UHC, while civil society groups called for greater accountability to ensure resources reach frontline healthcare facilities.