FG Boosts Health Fund to N40.76bn, Extends Insurance Coverage to Inmates — full story

The Federal Government has significantly increased its commitment to public health, greenlighting a substantial N40.76 billion for the third-quarter 2026 disbursement of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. This recent approval marks an increase of N7.88 billion compared to the N32.88 billion allocated in the preceding quarter of 2026.

In a move aimed at broadening healthcare access, the government also declared its intention to extend health insurance coverage to individuals incarcerated within the nation's correctional facilities. Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, articulated that these decisions underscore the Federal Government's unwavering resolve to enhance the availability of healthcare services, particularly for Nigeria's most vulnerable populations.

In an official statement released on October 16, 2026, the Minister affirmed, "The decisions reinforce the Federal Government’s commitment to quality, affordable and accessible healthcare, particularly for poor, vulnerable and underserved populations, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).”

The latest financial injection into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which is specifically designed to facilitate the provision of essential healthcare services across Nigeria, represents a notable "increase of approximately N7.88bn from the N32.88bn allocated for the second quarter of 2026." However, further specifics regarding the operational implementation of this third-quarter allocation or the detailed arrangements for providing health insurance to inmates were not made available in the information provided.