Nigeria’s Federal Government has approved and released ₦32.9 billion ($22 million) through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), the third disbursement of 2025 aimed at strengthening the country’s primary healthcare system, the health ministry said on Wednesday.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced the release in a statement titled “The Red Letter,” urging citizens to ensure transparency and community participation in how the funds are used.
“The government has approved and released ₦32.9 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, the third round this year,” Pate said. “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.”
The BHCPF is designed to provide basic health services, strengthen primary care delivery, and support emergency medical responses across the country.
Pate said the funds are meant to empower local clinics and communities to plan and spend according to their health priorities. He urged citizens to engage with ward health committees, traditional leaders, women’s and youth groups, and faith-based organisations to ensure transparency and accountability.
“This fund is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s renewed hope in health — a signal that government is not only fulfilling its responsibility as custodian of the fund but also trusting citizens to safeguard the spending,” he said.
The minister warned against community apathy, saying that citizens’ failure to monitor the funds could undermine their intended impact. “When communities stand aside and do not ask how the money is used, silence becomes a loss,” he added.
Pate described The Red Letter as a national call to action, encouraging citizens to take ownership of the BHCPF process by reviewing facility plans, demanding transparency, and celebrating progress where achieved.
“Each naira in this ₦32.9 billion is a seed. When nurtured with vigilance and pride, it grows into medicine, safe births, better infrastructure, and lives saved,” Pate said. “Let this Red Letter reach every community, every ward, and every home. The health of Nigeria lies in the hands of Nigerians.”