FG Advocates Resource Allocation In PHC Amid LG Autonomy

FG Advocates Resource Allocation In PHC Amid LG Autonomy

The Federal Government has emphasised the importance of ensuring that financial autonomy at the local level leads to improved healthcare delivery, rather than administrative obstacles.

The government said this on Friday at the national stakeholder engagement on accelerating improvement in primary health care in Nigeria with local government financial autonomy in Abuja.

Speaking at the meeting, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate said collaboration is critical in advancing primary healthcare in Nigeria, and financial autonomy for local governments must be adapted in a way that preserves and enhances service delivery.

Pate noted that the 2014 National Health Act established the National Health System, comprising the Federal Ministry of Health, State Ministries of Health, Local Government Authorities, and other relevant institutions, stressing that this framework must now be leveraged to strengthen the primary healthcare system.

He stated, “We are fortunate to have the necessary instruments and frameworks to guide our actions, but we must now translate them into concrete collaboration at federal, state, and local government levels. The health system is structured to function through intergovernmental cooperation, and this approach must be strengthened.

“Contextualising policies to fit community needs while ensuring alignment with national and state priorities is critical. If we fail to do this, we risk fragmented efforts, duplication of initiatives, and an erosion of standards. The existing legal and institutional frameworks were designed to facilitate cooperation, ensuring that states remain actively involved in shaping healthcare at the local level, rather than treating it as a responsibility left solely to local governments”.

The minister highlighted that the government’s goal is not to build a system for its sake, but rather a system that works for Nigerians.

“We must ensure that the system is responsive to actual health needs, particularly in maternal and child health, immunisation, sexual and reproductive health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and mental health. These are the real issues facing our communities, and they must remain our primary focus,” he added.

He said financial autonomy requires strategic resource allocation, where local governments optimise what they have, states provide their support, and the Federal Government continues to offer technical and policy guidance.

He also urged all governors, local government leaders, civil society, and development partners to work together to ensure that financial autonomy translates into effective service delivery, accountability, and improved health outcomes for Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Care Development Agency, Dr Muyi Aina noted that the meeting followed a landmark court ruling that granted local governments financial autonomy to the local governments.

According to him, stakeholders acknowledged the challenges and opportunities presented by this ruling and are committed to working together to protect the gains of primary healthcare and accelerate its impact.

He said a framework for collaboration has been established, outlining the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, including tiers of government, non-state actors, and development partners.

“The meeting resulted in the establishment of a shared understanding among stakeholders on the context of the primary healthcare system. Furthermore, a roadmap for implementation was created, which includes policy reviews, responsibilities, and amendments. Ultimately, stakeholders committed to working together to protect the gains of primary healthcare and accelerate its impact,” he stated.

He said Nigeria operates a national health system governed by the National Health Act of 2014, adding that stakeholders recognized the importance of abiding by the law and working together as a team.

“Everybody has a role in the national health system, emphasising the need for collaboration and coordination among stakeholders. The outcome of the meeting is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.

“With a renewed commitment to collaboration and coordination, stakeholders are optimistic that the country can make significant strides in improving healthcare outcomes and achieving universal health coverage.

“As the country moves forward, stakeholders will continue to work together to implement the roadmap and framework established during the meeting. This will involve ongoing engagement and coordination among stakeholders, as well as regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure that progress is being made towards achieving the goals of the national health system,” he highlighted.

The NPHCDA boss added that the success of Nigeria’s national health system depends on the ability of stakeholders to work together effectively and to prioritize the needs of communities.