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US pledges $2bn health grants to Nigeria under new bilateral MoU
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Nigeria commits $3bn domestic funding, allocating at least 6% of budgets to health
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Deal targets primary healthcare, disease control, system resilience
The United States Government has pledged nearly $2 billion in grant funding to support Nigeria’s health sector over a five-year period spanning 2026 to 2030.
The commitment was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and the United States.
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Under the agreement, the funding is expected to strengthen access to quality primary healthcare services, improve disease prevention and response, and enhance Nigeria’s overall health system capacity.
According to the statement, the US grants will be disbursed between April 2026 and December 2030, focusing on Nigeria’s key health priorities.
In parallel, the Federal Government of Nigeria has committed to mobilising about $3 billion in domestic funding for the health sector within the same period.
This will be achieved by allocating at least six per cent of executed annual federal and state budgets to healthcare.
The government said this commitment has already been reflected in the proposed 2026 national budget.
The Ministry noted that the partnership demonstrates Nigeria’s resolve to build a resilient health system, gradually reduce reliance on foreign aid, and ensure sustainable healthcare financing.
Reacting to the development, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the MoU as a significant step towards protecting the health of Nigerians and strengthening national resilience.
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Beyond funding, the agreement provides for collaboration in the prevention, early detection, and control of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
It also covers improved disease surveillance, outbreak response mechanisms, laboratory systems, and biosafety procedures for handling and disposal of pathogen samples.
The MoU further includes support for frontline health workers, improved health data systems, and better access to essential medical commodities.
The Federal Government said the agreement builds on ongoing reforms such as the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Health Sector Renewal Compact signed in December 2023, which align federal and state governments, development partners, and civil society toward strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
Nigeria currently spends about $120 per capita on healthcare, with government contribution estimated at just $30, leaving many citizens dependent on out-of-pocket spending.
Officials say the new US-Nigeria health partnership will help bridge this funding gap and improve health outcomes nationwide.
