By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
SEVERE FUNDING constraints limited the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to N36m out of the N218bn appropriated for its 2025 capital expenditure, significantly hindering the execution of critical health projects, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, told lawmakers.
Pate disclosed the figure on Monday, February 9, 2026, during the ministry’s 2026 budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services, stating that the minimal release made it virtually impossible to carry out planned capital projects for the previous year, JKNewsMedia.com reports.
He noted that the full personnel allocation for 2025 was released and utilised, while the capital component faced severe funding constraints.
The minister also attributed the shortfall to the “bottom-up cash planning system” operated by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, adding that delays in the release of Nigeria’s counterpart contributions prevented the ministry from accessing certain donor supported funds tied to major capital projects.
“The implementation of the 2025 capital budget was stalled by circumstances beyond our control,” Pate told lawmakers, adding that the meagre release left the ministry unable to draw down on international grants.
He cited Vision 20:2020, the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2021 to 2025, and the National Strategic Health Development Plan II as the strategic frameworks guiding the sector.
Pate said Universal Health Coverage remains central to the ministry’s mandate, particularly in strengthening Primary Health Care to deliver equitable and affordable services.
On the 2026 budget proposal, Pate stated that it was prepared in line with the 2026 to 2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System.
He added that the proposal aligns with the policy priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and aims to move closer to a 6 percent health allocation in the national budget.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that the minister also said the 2016 National Health Policy continues to underpin the ministry’s programmes to accelerate implementation of the National Health Act (NHA).
Responding, Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon Amos Gwamna Magaji, directed the minister to provide detailed documentation on all donor funds received and their specific utilisation to ensure effective oversight.
