As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate World Health Day 2026, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on governments at all levels to urgently tackle persistent underfunding and policy shortcomings affecting the country’s health sector.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by CAPPA Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, criticised what it described as chronic underinvestment in healthcare over the past decade. The organisation, citing figures from the Budget Office of the Federation, said allocations have consistently fallen below the 15 per cent target set under the Abuja Declaration, with even approved funds often not fully disbursed.
The group highlighted recent funding shortfalls, noting that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reportedly struggled to implement its 2025 capital budget after only N36 million was released out of the N218 billion allocation. In 2024, it added, just N26.552 billion was released from the N233.656 billion earmarked for capital projects.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the gap between budgetary provisions and actual releases continues to weaken the health system.
He noted that the consequences include limited access to essential medicines, overstretched facilities, and a shortage of health workers, worsened by migration trends. He also pointed to rising out-of-pocket healthcare costs and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
According to CAPPA, non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions now account for about 29 per cent of annual deaths in Nigeria, placing increasing pressure on households and the healthcare system.
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Referencing the theme of this year’s celebration, “Together for health: Stand with science,” the organisation urged governments to prioritise evidence-based interventions.
Among its recommendations is a review of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax. CAPPA welcomed the National Assembly’s ongoing efforts to revise the current N10 per litre levy but called for a more robust framework tied to retail pricing, with proceeds dedicated to health promotion.
Oluwafemi said the current rate is insufficient to significantly reduce consumption, advocating for an increase to at least 50 per cent of retail price, in line with guidance from the World Health Organization.
The organisation also called for complementary regulatory measures, including mandatory sodium reduction targets, front-of-pack nutrition labelling, and stricter controls on the marketing of unhealthy foods, particularly to children.
CAPPA further raised concerns over tobacco-related diseases and emerging nicotine products, urging increased funding for tobacco control initiatives. It described the current N13 million allocation to the Tobacco Control Fund as inadequate and recommended an increase to at least N300 million.
The group emphasised the need for improved accountability, timely release of funds, and stronger implementation of health policies.
“Prevention must become central to Nigeria’s health strategy,” Oluwafemi said, stressing the need for sustained investment and science-driven policies to safeguard public health.
