Nigeria’s health sector records major gains under Tinubu’s reforms — Uzoka-Anite
By Kunle Sanni –
Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, says Nigeria’s health sector is witnessing notable progress as a result of the Federal Government’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms.
Speaking at the Health Works Leaders Coalition roundtable held on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank Group/International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington D.C., Dr. Uzoka-Anite said government efforts have led to increased funding and strategic initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the nation.
She noted that the Tinubu administration has raised the allocation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare by nearly 60 percent in the 2025 budget, despite persistent funding challenges in the sector.
According to the minister, part of the government’s broader strategy to boost financing for healthcare includes the administration and periodic review of excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Revenues from these levies, she explained, are being channeled toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Dr. Uzoka-Anite added that the government has implemented a zero-VAT policy on medical equipment and drugs and has secured concessionary financing through the HOPE operation to support healthcare infrastructure and access.
She called for the establishment of a national compact to coordinate and align fiscal resources toward national priorities, particularly in health, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
The minister also expressed appreciation to the World Bank for recognizing Nigeria as a priority country in its UHC Compact and for selecting it to lead the Africa Initiative for Access to Medicines and Local Manufacturing (AIM 2030).
Commending the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, and other partners for their collaborative efforts, Dr. Uzoka-Anite described the achievements in the health sector as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the health and well-being of Nigerians.
