FG Releases N68bn for Vaccines, N50bn for Health Workers’ Arrears

The Federal Government has announced the release of N68bn for vaccine financing and an additional N50bn to settle outstanding arrears owed to health workers across the country.

The disclosure was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, during the 66th National Council on Health meeting in Calabar, Cross River State.

Pate said the N68bn has already been credited to the National Primary Health Care Agency, with the Central Bank expected to process the funds for UNICEF as part of efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage.

He noted that both federal and state governments must deploy resources more efficiently to improve healthcare delivery and ensure better outcomes for Nigerians.

The minister emphasised that sustained investment in vaccines, medical equipment, reproductive health commodities and primary healthcare systems remains critical to improving national health indicators.

“Last night, the money was in the account of the Primary Health Care Agency, and today, the CBN will start processing that for UNICEF. That is a tangible indication of the seriousness we attach to health spending,” he said.

“Similarly, the Minister of Finance has deployed N50bn to clear outstanding arrears for health workers. I urge all states to mirror this commitment by increasing their health budgets in 2026,” he added.

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, urged policymakers to strengthen primary healthcare, build a sustainable health workforce, and expand health insurance schemes to accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward universal health coverage.