Concerns have emerged over the alleged poor release of funds allocated to Nigeria’s health sector in the 2025 budget, with the North East Health Awareness Forum (NEHCAF) calling for an immediate investigation into the matter.
The group said it was alarmed by reports that only N36 million had been released from the N218 billion earmarked for capital expenditure under the budget of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
In a statement issued in Bauchi, NEHCAF Chairman Abdullahi Ahmad and Secretary Ummu Kulsum Rabiu said the forum was reacting to media reports quoting the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, as disclosing the figure.
They described the situation as deeply concerning, warning that such a wide difference between approved and released funds could undermine healthcare delivery across the country.
According to the forum, the development raises serious questions about how health sector funds are being managed and whether the system is functioning transparently and efficiently.
NEHCAF stressed that adequate funding is essential for the execution of key projects, including hospital upgrades, medical equipment procurement, and other critical interventions. The group warned that failure to release funds as planned could disrupt ongoing programmes and delay improvements needed in the healthcare system.
The forum therefore called on relevant government authorities to immediately examine the matter and ensure that public funds allocated to health are properly accounted for and utilised as intended.
It also noted that Nigerians have a right to access quality healthcare services, adding that this can only be achieved when the sector receives sufficient funding and when resources are managed responsibly.
NEHCAF further urged collaboration among government institutions, civil society groups, and the media to address the funding concerns and promote accountability.
