The implementation of vital health infrastructure projects across the country is a cause for concern as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare revealed that it has only received ₦36 million of its ₦218 billion capital budget for the 2025 fiscal year.
Health Minister Professor Mohammed Pate revealed the revelation to National Assembly legislators during a budget defense session.
Professor Pate informed the parliamentarians that serious financing delays had caused capital projects to mostly stop, even though the ministry’s personnel budget had been fully utilized.
As per his statement, “the budget’s personnel component has been fully utilized, but capital projects are facing significant setbacks due to non-releases.”
Delays in counterpart funds needed for donor-supported programs and issues with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation’s cash planning system were the minister’s reasons for the delay.
“Delayed counterpart contributions and cash planning issues have significantly affected the execution of our capital projects,” he explained.
The House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services Chairman, Amos Magaji, responded by expressing worry about the state of affairs and calling for more responsibility regarding donor financing.
Emphasizing the importance of openness and efficient oversight, Magaji requested that the minister formally disclose detailed information about donor funds received by the ministry and how they were used.
