A former Nigerian senator has publicly criticized the federal government over reports indicating a minuscule allocation of just 36 million naira (approximately $22,000 USD) to the national health sector for the 2025 fiscal year, describing the figure as a sign of serious governmental neglect.
Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the Senate, expressed his concern via a post on his verified X account on Friday. He stated that if confirmed, such a paltry sum would demonstrate a “lack of seriousness” in addressing the country’s critical healthcare needs. Sani directly called on Minister of Finance Wale Edun to provide a comprehensive explanation for the reported release.
The reported allocation has drawn sharp condemnation from Sani, a known legislative figure and commentator. His critique centers on the stark discrepancy between the acknowledged challenges facing Nigeria’s health infrastructure and the purported financial commitment for the upcoming year. Issues such as inadequate facilities, brain drain of medical professionals, and insufficient funding have long been cited as major hurdles to improving health outcomes in Africa’s most populous nation.
While the original report cited only the 36 million naira figure, it does not specify if this represents a new capital budget, an operational allocation, or a portion of a previously approved larger sum. The federal budgeting process involves multiple stages of approval, execution, and potential virement (reallocation) of funds. A full clarification from the Ministry of Finance would be necessary to understand the context of this specific release within the overall 2025 health budget, which is typically part of a much larger consolidated framework.
The significance of this issue extends beyond the single reported figure. Public expenditure on health in Nigeria has historically been below regional and international benchmarks, placing immense strain on an already fragile system. Criticism of budget execution and prioritization is common among publicWatchdogs and former policymakers.
Sani’s statement amplifies these ongoing concerns, framing the issue as one of national priority and governmental responsibility. The onus now lies with the Ministry of Finance to address the specifics of the report. A detailed response clarifying the exact nature, intended purpose, and place of the 36 million naira within the broader 2025 health budget将是 establishing transparency and accountability in fiscal planning. The public and stakeholders will be watching for this explanation amid widespread apprehension about the government’s commitment to a sector fundamental to national development and citizen welfare.
