Federal Government urges states to boost health budgets for 2026 to improve primary healthcare, hospitals, vaccines, and universal health coverage

States Urged to Boost Health Budgets to strengthen healthcare delivery and accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage, the Federal Government announced on Thursday.

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Speaking at the 66th National Council on Health in Calabar, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, emphasised that quality healthcare is impossible without adequate funding.

He urged states to ensure at least a one percent increase in their health budgets for 2026 compared to 2025.

“Quality health is not cheap. We must invest in primary healthcare, hospitals, medical equipment, vaccines, and reproductive health commodities,” Pate said, adding that the funds would be strictly reserved for essential health needs and managed with transparency and accountability.

The minister highlighted progress from previous reforms, including a 17 per cent reduction in maternal mortality under the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative.

He credited the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, unveiled in December 2023, for supporting these achievements.

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, praised the Council’s work and urged collective commitment to policy implementation.

He noted that initiatives like six-month maternity leave and compliance with national nutrition standards demonstrate the impact of well-funded health policies.

“The goal is to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses, particularly for the vulnerable, and ensure quality healthcare reaches all Nigerians,” Governor Otu said.

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The National Council on Health, which convenes federal and state health leaders, remains Nigeria’s highest decision-making body on health policy, assessing progress and setting strategic directions for the sector.