The release of just N36 million out of the N218 billion capital allocation for Nigeria’s health sector in 2025 has drawn criticism from stakeholders who warn it could worsen service delivery in public hospitals.
The amount represents about 0.02 per cent of the approved capital vote.
At the 2026 budget defence, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, said only N36m was released from the N218bn appropriated for capital projects, blaming the gap between allocation and disbursement.
Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos, Babajide Saheed, warned that poor capital funding would weaken infrastructure, limit emergency care and increase mortality.
Similarly, pharmacist Olumide Obube described the shortfall as a national embarrassment, stressing that capital spending is vital for equipment, laboratories and hospital upgrades.
Stakeholders urged the Federal Government to fully release the allocation to prevent further strain on Nigeria’s already fragile health system.
