By Mercy Aikoye
The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and National Health Insurance Authority, yesterday, demanded more funds in the 2025 budget.
The agencies made the demand when they appeared before the House Committee on Healthcare Institutions for budget defense. The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency proposed a budget of ₦48.1478 billion for 2025, citing the need for increased funding to optimize its performance.
Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director and CEO of the agency, said the proposed budget would help address health challenges in the country. He noted that despite having alternative sources of funding, such as the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and Vaccine Immunisation Funds, the agency still requires additional funding to achieve its goals.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) proposed a budget of ₦7.38 billion for 2025. Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, stated that the funds would be used to combat disease outbreaks in the country. He highlighted that Nigeria is currently combating eight disease outbreaks and emphasized the need for a contingency fund to ensure preparedness.
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria requested ₦113 billion for its 2025 operations, citing the need to increase its budget to effectively regulate the medical profession. The council’s registrar, Dr. Fatima Kyari, noted that the agency did not receive any allocation in 2024 and had to rely on fees from doctors’ registration and other levies.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) proposed a budget of ₦130 billion for 2025, aimed at increasing health insurance coverage in Nigeria. Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director General of the NHIA, stated that the funds would be used to surpass the agency’s enrollment targets and increase collaboration with the private sector and telecom companies.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Institutions, Hon. Amos Magaji, emphasized the importance of a functional healthcare system in curbing corruption in Nigeria. He noted that the greatest burden on Nigerians is how to pay for healthcare.
The committee members took turns to ask the heads of agencies questions on their 2024 expenditures and expectations for 2025. The Chairman commended the institutions that appeared before the committee and promised to look into their budget proposals for possible increases.
