The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved and released ₦32.9 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to strengthen primary health care services in communities across the country.
This is the third round of BHCPF disbursement made this year, and according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the funds have already started reaching primary health care facilities in every ward across Nigeria — not just Abuja.
The announcement was made in an official notice titled “The Red Letter,” signed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, on October 22, 2025.
The ministry explained that the ₦32.9 billion is meant to help local health clinics improve services, buy essential medicines, repair facilities, and support staff. The money has been sent directly into the commercial bank accounts of the primary health care facilities**, allowing them to plan and spend according to the needs of their communities.
However, Prof. Pate emphasised that the funds must not be managed in isolation. He encouraged local communities, ward health committees, traditional leaders, youth and women groups, and faith-based organisations to join hands in planning and deciding how the funds are used.
“Every facility now holds the power to plan and spend, not alone, but together with the community it serves,” the Red Letter reads.
The Federal Government is urging Nigerians to take part in monitoring and decision-making to make sure the money is used wisely. The ministry warned that when communities remain silent or uninvolved, corruption and waste can easily creep in, and the money might not benefit the people it was meant for.
“When that happens, silence becomes a loss,” the statement said.
The government is calling on citizens to:
- Visit their local health centres
- Join health committees
- Review spending plans
- Demand transparency
- Celebrate progress made
Prof. Pate described the ₦32.9 billion as a “seed” that can grow into better healthcare for all Nigerians if properly managed.
“Each Naira in this ₦32.9 billion is a seed. When you nurture it with vigilance and pride, it grows into medicine, safe births, better infrastructure, and lives saved,” he said. “But when you neglect it, it withers into waste.”
The Red Letter concluded with a powerful reminder:
“The health of Nigeria lives in the hands of Nigerians. Together, we plan. Together, we spend. Together, we protect life.”
The Basic Health Care Provision Fund was created to make sure that every Nigerian, especially those in rural areas, has access to affordable and quality healthcare. It helps fund health centres at the local level and supports the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in their work.
With this latest ₦32.9 billion release, the Federal Government says it remains committed to improving healthcare delivery, building trust with citizens, and ensuring that no community is left behind.
