As the global community marks World Health Day 2026, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has issued a stinging indictment of Nigeria’s healthcare financing, describing the persistent gap between budget promises and actual funding as a short-change of the Nigerian people.
The advocacy group called on the government to move beyond annual rhetoric and confront the chronic underfunding and policy failures that have left the nation’s health sector fragile and unable to cope with an escalating disease burden. CAPPA noted with concern that Nigeria continues to ignore the Abuja Declaration’s 15 percent benchmark for health allocations, with even the meager funds approved often failing to reach the sector.
The Capital Budget Deficit
Data from the Budget Office reveals a staggering disparity in fund releases. In a move that highlights the systemic neglect, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reportedly received only N36 million out of a budgeted N218 billion for its 2025 capital projects. This follows a similar trend in 2024, where only N26.552 billion was released from an earmarked N233.656 billion.
“This longstanding gap between budget promises and actual releases has weakened the health system and is short-changing Nigerians,” said Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA. “It shows up in limited access to essential medicines, overstretched facilities, a severe shortage of health workers worsened by the ‘Japa’ trend, and high out-of-pocket costs for the average citizen.”
Tackling the “Silent Epidemic”
The organization warned that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease now account for 29 percent of annual deaths in Nigeria. To combat this “silent epidemic,” CAPPA is pushing for aggressive preventive measures, specifically targeting the consumption of salt, sugar, and trans fats.
Central to their demands is a drastic hike in the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax. While the National Assembly is currently reviewing the N10 per litre levy, CAPPA argues the current rate is ineffective.
“We are calling for an increase to at least 50 per cent of the retail price, in line with World Health Organization recommendations,” Oluwafemi stated. “There is compelling evidence that stronger fiscal measures can reduce consumption while generating much-needed revenue for health financing.”
A Call for Science-Backed Regulation
Aligning with the 2026 theme, “Together for health: Stand with science,” the group urged the implementation of mandatory sodium reduction targets and front-of-pack labelling to protect consumers from deceptive marketing.
Furthermore, CAPPA took aim at the grossly inadequate funding for tobacco control. The group pointed out that the current N13 million allocation to the Tobacco Control Fund is a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of the crisis, demanding a revision to at least N300 million to effectively implement the National Tobacco Control Act.
The report concludes with a firm directive to policymakers: ensure the full and timely release of budgeted funds and prioritize prevention as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s national health strategy.
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