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ABUJA – The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Right Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed concern over the inadequate funding of Nigeria’s health sector despite yearly appropriations.
He stated that the allocations remain far below global standards and the investments made by other nations.
Speaking on Friday, Abbas stressed the critical need for increased budgetary provisions to enhance the country’s health system.
He emphasized that improved funding is essential to raising the life expectancy of the average Nigerian and addressing the persistently high rate of infant mortality.
He said this at a public hearing for four bills organised by the House Committee on Healthcare Services at the National Assembly Complex.
The Bills are A Bill for an Act to to Amend the National Residency Training Act 2018; A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Insurance Authority Act 2021; A Bill to Amend the National Tobacco Control Act; and A Bill to Establish the Institute of Healthcare Service Administrators of Nigeria.
The Speaker, who was represented by Hon. Obordor Mitema, the member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State, emphasized the government’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu, recognizing the critical state of the sector, has prioritized healthcare as a key pillar of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said, “This strategic focus aims to breathe new life into the nation’s healthcare system.”
According to him, efforts are being made to forge strategic partnerships with the private sector, both locally and internationally. These collaborations are expected to yield significant improvements in the not-too-distant future, ensuring the healthcare system receives the necessary support for sustainable development.
He said, “Although the Federal Government allocates a considerable amount annually to the health sector, it remains grossly inadequate compared to investments in other countries.”Despite commendable efforts, the health sector continues to grapple with persistent challenges, including the rise in outbound medical tourism, the emigration of skilled healthcare workers, inadequate salaries, and insufficient budgetary allocations. These issues have hindered the sector’s ability to deliver the quality healthcare Nigerians deserve.”
“It is disheartening to observe that despite Nigeria boasting the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa, progress in the health sector remains slow and underwhelming. This calls for intensified efforts to bring the nation’s healthcare standards closer to those of Western countries.”Significant strides are required to improve the life expectancy of the average Nigerian and to achieve a substantial reduction in infant mortality rates.”
He commended the Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Bassey Akiba, along with the entire committee, for their dedication in organizing this crucial hearing.
Hon. Bassey Akiba, Acting Chairman of the Committee, Highlights Challenges in Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector
Hon. Bassey Akiba, Acting Chairman of the Committee, recently addressed the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector, emphasizing the complex issues that have plagued the system over the years.
Among the key concerns, he highlighted the rising costs of healthcare services, financial difficulties faced by healthcare providers, preventable medical errors, and alarming mortality rates. He also pointed to the lack of adequate insurance coverage, the urgent need for improvements in mental health services, and the increasing demand for personalized care. Additionally, Hon. Akiba stressed the importance of establishing a well-regulated healthcare system.
While acknowledging recent government efforts to increase funding for healthcare, he emphasized that these efforts remain insufficient to address the sector’s critical needs.
“As parliamentarians, it is our duty to engage in discussions on vital legislation that will not only shape the future of our nation’s healthcare but also positively impact the lives of our citizens,” Hon Akiba concluded.
