US Commits Nearly $2bn to Boost Nigeria’s Health Sector, FG Pledges $3bn More

‍The United States has pledged nearly $2 billion in grant funding to support Nigeria’s health sector over a five-year period, from 2026 to 2030, in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and improving health security across the country.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the governments of Nigeria and the United States.

Under the agreement, the US government will provide close to $2 billion in grants between April 2026 and December 2030 to support Nigeria’s health priorities. In addition, the Nigerian government has committed to raising about $3 billion in domestic resources for the health sector within the same period.

According to the statement, Nigeria plans to dedicate at least six per cent of executed annual federal and state budgets to health. This commitment, already reflected in the proposed 2026 budget, is expected to generate roughly $3 billion in local health financing over five years.

The joint funding is aimed at expanding access to quality primary healthcare services nationwide, while also strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health emergencies.

The Federal Government said the partnership reflects Nigeria’s determination to build a resilient and sustainable health system, gradually reduce dependence on foreign aid, and ensure consistent long-term investment in healthcare.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the MoU as a major milestone in safeguarding the health of Nigerians and boosting the country’s overall resilience.

Beyond funding, the agreement sets out a framework for cooperation in tackling infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. It also covers improved disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and response, stronger laboratory systems, and enhanced biosafety standards for handling pathogen samples.

The MoU further provides for increased support for frontline health workers, upgrades to health data systems, and better access to essential medicines and health commodities across the country.