The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a major plan to expand basic health care coverage to 20 million citizens, marking one of the most significant health-sector commitments in recent years. The initiative aims to address long-standing gaps in access to primary healthcare, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, rural dwellers, and low-income households.
According to officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the expansion will be driven through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), state health insurance schemes, and newly strengthened partnerships with development agencies. The plan focuses on improving the availability of essential medicines, upgrading primary health centres (PHCs), and enrolling millions into state-backed health insurance programs.
Government sources say the initiative is designed to reduce Nigeria’s high burden of preventable diseases by ensuring that citizens can access services including maternal care, immunisation, malaria treatment, nutrition support, and emergency services without facing catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses.
Health Minister [Insert Name if needed] noted:
“This administration is committed to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind. Expanding basic health care to 20 million people is not just a target—it is a national priority.”
Public health experts have welcomed the announcement but emphasise the need for improved funding, better workforce distribution, and transparent implementation across states to ensure real impact.
Sources
Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare briefing
National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)
Channels Television health desk
Premium Times health report
