Nigeria and U.S. Seal Major Deal to Expand Primary Care and Health Security
The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Government of the United States of America today signed a landmark technical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen bilateral health cooperation, strengthen health security, and build a more resilient and self-reliant health system for Nigerians.
The agreement will enhance collaboration on the early detection, prevention, and control of emerging, re-emerging, and existing infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, while expanding access to quality primary healthcare services nationwide.
Under the MoU, both countries will work together to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response; improve laboratory systems and biosafety procedures for pathogen sample collection, transport, testing, storage, and disposal; support frontline healthcare workers; strengthen data systems; ensure access to essential health commodities; and provide strategic investment and technical assistance across the health sector.
The MoU reflects Nigeria’s clear commitment to long-term health sector self-reliance. In line with this objective, Nigeria will progressively increase domestic health financing while external grant support is gradually reduced, marking a strategic shift toward sustainable, trade- and investment-based partnerships.
Over a five-year period from April 2026 to December 2030, the United States Government 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, a commitment projected to mobilise nearly US$3 billion in domestic health financing over the same period. This commitment has already been reflected in the Federal Government’s proposed 2026 Appropriation.
Speaking on the significance of the agreement, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the MoU as a major step toward safeguarding the health of Nigerians while 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. It also reflects our firm commitment to domestic investment, accountability, and long-term sustainability,” the Minister said.
The MoU builds on Nigeria’s 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 (SWAp) that aligns Federal, State, and Local Governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector under a unified national plan, budget, and reporting framework.
In December 2023, these reforms were further reinforced through the Health Sector Renewal Compact, signed under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, bringing together all 36 State Governors, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, and development partners in a shared commitment to building a unified, efficient, and resilient health system.
The Federal Government of Nigeria expresses its appreciation to the Government of the United States for its renewed partnership and shared commitment to advancing global and national health security. Nigeria also acknowledges the continued support of its development partners and reaffirms its resolve to deliver results that align with national priorities and improve health outcomes for all Nigerians.
