Nigeria, United States Sign Landmark Agreement to Strengthen Health Security, Expand Primary Healthcare
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Government of the United States of America have signed a landmark technical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen bilateral cooperation in the health sector, strengthen national health security, and advance Nigeria’s long-term health system self-reliance.
The agreement will enhance collaboration in the early detection, prevention, and control of emerging, re-emerging, and existing infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, while significantly expanding access to quality primary healthcare services across the country.
Under the MoU, both countries will work closely to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response systems; improve laboratory infrastructure and biosafety procedures for pathogen sample collection, transport, testing, storage, and disposal; support frontline healthcare workers; strengthen health data systems; ensure sustained access to essential health commodities; and provide strategic investments and technical assistance across Nigeria’s health sector.
The MoU underscores Nigeria’s commitment to achieving long-term health sector self-reliance. In line with this objective, the country will progressively increase domestic health financing as external grant support is gradually reduced, marking a strategic transition toward sustainable, trade- and investment-driven 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. Concurrently, Nigeria has committed to allocating at least six percent of executed annual Federal and State budgets to health, a move projected to mobilise nearly US$3 billion in domestic health financing over the same period. This commitment is already 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 critical step toward safeguarding the health of Nigerians 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 healthcare 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. These reforms are being implemented through a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) that aligns Federal, State, and Local Governments, development partners, civil society organisations, and the private sector under a unified national plan, budget, and reporting framework.
Recall that In December 2023, the 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 national and global health security. Nigeria also acknowledges the continued support of its development partners and reaffirms its resolve to deliver measurable results aligned with national priorities and improved health outcomes for all Nigerians.
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