The federal government has kicked off development programs worth over $1.07 billion. This is to strengthen primary healthcare, boost education, improve governance, and reduce poverty as part of its plan for economic recovery.
The programs include the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Governance (HOPE GOV) program with $500 million and the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Programme (HOPE PHC) with $570 million.
The government also introduced the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Additional Financing (NG CARES AF). This is part of the wider HOPE program that includes HOPE GOV, HOPE PHC, and HOPE EDU, along with the Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities (SOLID) program.
At the launch in Abuja on Thursday, President Bola Tinubu said these initiatives aim to ensure that the benefits from the country’s economic reforms lead to better living standards for Nigerians.
Mr Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, mentioned that the programs are part of a coordinated strategy. This strategy is to improve human capital development, public service delivery, and build resilience in communities across Nigeria.
He noted that the government has seen improvements in key economic indicators like GDP growth, foreign reserves, and inflation.
He also said that around 15 million vulnerable households have gained from the expanded social transfer program.
According to him, the HOPE GOV program will enhance governance by improving budget planning and helping to recruit teachers and healthcare workers, especially in underserved areas. The HOPE PHC program will boost service delivery at primary healthcare facilities through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, also spoke. He said the programs will help implement the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). This is the government's main reform agenda for the health sector.
Mr Pate explained that the initiative is based on four pillars: strengthening governance and accountability, improving access to quality healthcare, developing the healthcare value chain, and enhancing health security and resilience.
He highlighted progress from the reforms, noting that the federal government has revitalized 3,026 primary healthcare centers across the country. They have also supplied maternal and newborn care equipment to 231 secondary hospitals.
He added that 43,417 women and newborns have been transported through rural emergency and maternal transport services. Also, 42,970 comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care services were provided between October 2024 and March 2026.
Mr Pate said the reforms have led to more people using healthcare services, with more women choosing to deliver in health facilities.
“The reforms are increasing service use, with more women opting to give birth in health facilities. This shows renewed trust in the health system. Families are also using more essential health services, with more choosing modern family planning and more children getting life-saving vaccines,” he said.
Matthew Verghis, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, said the country is making strides to expand access to quality healthcare. This has been made possible through teamwork among the federal, state, and local governments, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
Mr Verghis commented that the HOPE PHC program and its supporting investments give Nigeria a chance to improve health outcomes, especially for mothers, children, and vulnerable groups, while also strengthening accountability in the health sector.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇