ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPAA) has raised concerns over persistent funding gaps in Nigeria’s health sector, warning that chronic underinvestment continues to weaken healthcare delivery and worsen the country’s disease burden.
DDM gathered that the organisation made the call as Nigeria joined the global community to mark the 2026 World Health Day, urging governments at all levels to move beyond statements and take urgent, measurable action to reform the health system.
CAPPAA stressed that despite repeated policy promises and national health declarations, the sector continues to suffer from inadequate budgetary allocation, poor infrastructure, and limited access to essential medical services, particularly in rural communities.
The group argued that these challenges have contributed significantly to preventable deaths, overstretched health facilities, and rising medical costs that place a heavy burden on ordinary citizens.
According to the organisation, Nigeria’s health system remains under pressure due to structural weaknesses, including insufficient funding for primary healthcare centres, shortage of medical personnel, and inconsistent implementation of health policies.
Background analysis shows that Nigeria has consistently struggled to meet the recommended global benchmark for health financing, which advises countries to allocate a significant percentage of their budgets to healthcare development.
Experts note that inadequate investment in health infrastructure has left many public hospitals ill-equipped, forcing citizens to rely on out-of-pocket payments or seek treatment abroad when financially possible.
CAPPAA warned that without urgent reforms, Nigeria risks deepening existing inequalities in healthcare access, particularly among low-income populations who are most affected by poor service delivery.
The organisation also highlighted policy gaps that have hindered effective coordination between federal, state, and local governments, resulting in inefficiencies and duplication of responsibilities within the sector.
Health advocates argue that sustainable improvement in Nigeria’s healthcare system will require not only increased funding but also stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure transparent use of public resources.
They further emphasised the importance of investing in preventive healthcare, disease surveillance systems, and community-based health initiatives to reduce the overall burden on tertiary hospitals.
CAPPAA called on policymakers to prioritise health as a critical pillar of national development, warning that neglecting the sector could have long-term economic and social consequences.
The organisation also urged civil society groups, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to collaborate in bridging funding gaps and improving healthcare outcomes across the country.
As Nigeria reflects on the significance of World Health Day, attention is once again drawn to the urgent need for structural reforms capable of transforming the health sector into a more resilient and inclusive system.
Observers say the call by CAPPAA adds to growing pressure on government authorities to translate commitments into action and ensure that healthcare delivery becomes a national priority rather than a recurring policy debate.
