President Tinubu Pledges Continued Healthcare Infrastructure Modernization in New Year Address

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s focus on upgrading Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure as a key part of its broader agenda to enhance citizens’ quality of life.

In his New Year address to the nation, the President highlighted healthcare among the critical sectors slated for sustained investment. “We will also continue to invest in modernising Nigeria’s infrastructure – roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture to strengthen food security and improve quality of life. All ongoing projects will continue without interruption,” Tinubu stated.

This commitment aligns with the government’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at fostering inclusive growth. The President framed 2026 as the start of a more substantial phase of economic development intended to deliver visible improvements for Nigerians.

Building on Existing Initiatives

The pledge expands on several healthcare projects already underway. In April 2025, Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, outlined a collaborative effort to revitalize Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). The goal is to ensure each ward has at least one functional PHC offering 24-hour services.

Reports indicate approximately 901 PHCs were revitalized in 2025, with upgrades in progress for over 2,700 additional centres. Furthermore, the Federal Government recently disbursed N32.9 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to bolster primary healthcare.

International Support for Health Sector

The administration has also secured significant external funding. In December 2025, Nigeria entered a five-year, $2.1 billion bilateral health agreement with the United States.

The funds will support programs targeting HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio. As part of the agreement, Nigeria is expected to increase its domestic health spending by nearly $3 billion over the same period.

Additionally, in March 2025, the World Bank approved an $80 million financing package for the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria 2.0 Project.