The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of the United States of America have signed a landmark technical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening bilateral health cooperation, strengthening health security and building a more resilient and self-reliant health system for Nigerians.
The agreement will enhance collaboration between both countries on the early detection, prevention and control of emerging, re-emerging and existing infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, while expanding access to quality primary healthcare services across Nigeria.
Under the MoU, Nigeria and the United States will jointly work to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response; improve laboratory systems and biosafety procedures for pathogen sample collection, transportation, testing, storage and disposal; support frontline healthcare workers; strengthen health data systems; ensure access to essential health commodities; and provide strategic investments and technical assistance across the health sector.
The agreement reflects Nigeria’s commitment to long-term health sector self-reliance. As part of the arrangement, Nigeria will progressively increase domestic health financing while external grant support is gradually reduced, marking a strategic shift towards sustainable, trade- and investment-based partnerships.
Over a five-year period spanning 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.
In parallel, 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 within the same period. This commitment has already been 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 major milestone in 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 care for all Nigerians. It also reflects our firm commitment to domestic investment, accountability and long-term sustainability,” Pate 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.
The reforms are being implemented through a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) that aligns Federal, State and Local Governments, development partners, civil society and the private sector under a unified national plan, budget and reporting framework.
In December 2023, the reforms were further strengthened through the Health Sector Renewal Compact, signed under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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 national health system.
The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the Government of the United States for its renewed partnership and shared commitment to advancing global and national health security.
It also acknowledged the continued support of development partners and reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to deliver results that align with national priorities and improve health outcomes for all Nigerians.