The Federal Government has approved and released ₦32.9 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to enhance primary healthcare services across Nigeria. This marks the third disbursement under the fund in 2025.
The announcement was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, in a statement titled “The Red Letter.” He urged Nigerians to take an active role in monitoring and ensuring transparency in how the funds are used at the community level.
According to Pate, the disbursed funds have already been transferred directly into the commercial bank accounts of primary health care facilities across the country’s wards.
“This money is not sitting in Abuja. It has already begun its journey into the commercial bank accounts of primary health care facilities in every ward across Nigeria. It is your clinic’s money. It is your community’s chance. It is your country’s promise,” he said.The minister explained that the BHCPF aims to improve access to basic health services, strengthen local health infrastructure, and support emergency healthcare delivery nationwide.
He emphasized that local health committees, including traditional leaders, youth and women’s groups, and faith-based organizations, must collaborate in planning and implementing spending decisions to make health facilities stronger and more effective.
“The health committee in your ward, your traditional leaders, your women’s and youth groups, your faith-based organisations—all of you are meant to sit together, decide together, and spend together on what will make your facility stronger, safer, and more ready to serve,” Pate added.Prof. Pate described “The Red Letter” as a national call to action, encouraging communities to take ownership of healthcare spending, ensure accountability, and safeguard resources meant for their benefit.
He warned against public apathy and lack of oversight, noting that silence enables waste and inefficiency in the health sector.
“Each naira in this ₦32.9bn is a seed. When you nurture it with vigilance and pride, it grows into medicine, safe births, better infrastructure, and lives saved. When you neglect it, it withers into waste,” he stated.Pate concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to community-driven healthcare reforms, stressing that the success of the BHCPF depends on citizen participation and transparency.
“Let this Red Letter reach every community, every ward, and every home. Let it remind us that the health of Nigeria lies in the hands of Nigerians. Together, we plan. Together, we spend. Together, we protect life,” he said.