Abuja, Dec. 19, 2025 — The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of the United States have signed a landmark technical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening health security, expanding access to primary healthcare, and advancing a more resilient and self-reliant health system in Nigeria.
The agreement will deepen bilateral cooperation on the early detection, prevention, and control of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, while improving nationwide access to quality primary healthcare services. It also provides a framework for collaboration on disease surveillance, outbreak response, laboratory systems, biosafety procedures, data systems, and support for frontline health workers.
Under the MoU, both countries will work to improve pathogen sample collection, transport, testing, storage, and disposal; ensure access to essential health commodities; and provide targeted technical assistance and strategic investments across Nigeria’s health sector.
The pact reflects Nigeria’s commitment to long-term health sector self-reliance, with plans to progressively increase domestic health financing as external grant support is gradually reduced. The shift signals a move toward more sustainable, trade- and investment-based partnerships.
Over a five-year period from April 2026 to December 2030, the United States is expected to provide nearly US$2 billion in grant funding to support Nigeria’s health priorities. In parallel, Nigeria has committed to allocating at least six percent of executed annual Federal and State budgets to health—an investment projected to mobilise nearly US$3 billion in domestic financing over the same period. This commitment is already reflected in the Federal Government’s proposed 2026 Appropriation.
Commenting on the agreement, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the MoU as a significant step toward safeguarding public health and strengthening national resilience.
“This partnership underscores our determination to build a health system that can prevent, detect, and respond to health threats, while expanding access to affordable, quality care for all Nigerians,” Pate said. “It also reflects our firm commitment to domestic investment, accountability, and long-term sustainability.”
The MoU builds on ongoing health sector reforms, including the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) launched in 2023 to improve healthcare accessibility, affordability, quality, accountability, and efficiency. The reforms are implemented through a Sector-Wide Approach that aligns federal, state, and local governments with development partners, civil society, and the private sector under a unified national framework.
In December 2023, the reforms were further reinforced by the Health Sector Renewal Compact, signed under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, bringing together all 36 state governors, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, and development partners.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the United States for its renewed partnership and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering measurable health outcomes aligned with national priorities.
