NPHCDA, ICPC begin assessment of primary healthcare centres

DDM News

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have launched a nationwide evaluation of primary healthcare centres in Nigeria.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) confirms that this joint assessment is part of a broader effort to uphold transparency, accountability, and value for money in the country’s health sector.

The exercise aims to monitor the revitalisation of primary health centres, a process focused on upgrading infrastructure, improving healthcare services, and ensuring wider access for citizens.

The revitalisation initiative is designed to make healthcare delivery more effective, equitable, and accessible to Nigerians in all regions.

In March 2025, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu.

The MoU targets improved oversight and ensures that government funding allocated to health services is properly utilised.

The ongoing assessment builds on that agreement, reinforcing the Federal Government’s resolve to fight corruption and inefficiency in the health sector.

On May 20, 2025, the Federal Government also rolled out a new initiative deploying 774 Performance and Financial Management Officers nationwide.

The officers will be stationed in primary healthcare centres to monitor spending, track performance, and ensure accountability.

The NPHCDA Director-General, who led the launch of the deployment, stated that the move supports President Bola Tinubu’s broader health transformation agenda.

President Tinubu’s health reform strategy places primary healthcare at the centre of efforts to achieve universal health coverage.

The administration aims to rebuild trust in the healthcare system and deliver reliable services to Nigerians at the grassroots.

According to the NPHCDA, the current initiative is crucial to plugging leakages and ensuring that public funds translate to tangible health outcomes.

The collaboration with ICPC also serves as a deterrent against corruption in the management of health projects and programmes.

Health stakeholders have welcomed the partnership, describing it as a bold step toward realising sustainable health reforms.

Observers note that past efforts to improve primary health facilities often failed due to poor supervision and lack of transparency.

The ongoing assessment will involve visits to primary healthcare centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Officials will inspect completed projects, ongoing renovations, and monitor fund usage and service quality in these centres.

This evaluation also aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the African Union’s Abuja Declaration, which encourages improved health sector investments.

As of May 2025, Nigeria continues to face challenges in delivering adequate healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Many communities still lack access to functional health centres, trained personnel, or essential medicines.

NPHCDA has stated that it is working with state governments to address these gaps through coordinated planning and improved resource allocation.

Health experts believe that transparency and efficient funding are critical to ensuring that reforms lead to real improvements in people’s lives.

The deployment of financial and performance officers is expected to support data-driven decision-making in the health sector.

The initiative also serves as a pilot for wider public sector reforms aimed at improving service delivery nationwide.

Both NPHCDA and ICPC have assured the public that their assessment reports will be made available for public scrutiny.

This is intended to strengthen civic oversight and promote a culture of accountability in public health institutions.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue to monitor the developments as this vital initiative unfolds across Nigeria.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook