ADC cautions Tinubu against biased foreign health aid

The African Democratic Congress has called on the Federal Government to provide clarity on the terms of a recent $5.1 billion health cooperation agreement signed with the United States, citing concerns over potential religious bias and constitutional compliance.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed support for international health partnerships but emphasized that such agreements must align with Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to equality and non-discrimination.

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed in December, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s health systems over five years. While the Nigerian government has described it as an inclusive framework, U.S. documentation highlights a focus on supporting Christian faith-based health providers, with approximately $200 million allocated to hundreds of Christian clinics and hospitals.

The ADC noted a discrepancy between the Nigerian and U.S. descriptions of the agreement and warned that privileging one religious group in public health funding could contravene constitutional provisions that prohibit discrimination.

The party cited constitutional sections promoting national integration and equal rights, arguing that healthcare should remain neutral and accessible to all. It also raised concerns about sovereignty, given that Nigeria is expected to contribute nearly $3 billion to the partnership while key discretionary powers appear to rest with the U.S.

The ADC has urged the government to publish the full agreement and clarify how it ensures compliance with Nigerian law and preserves the country’s policy-making autonomy.