In a significant development aimed at enhancing transparency in Nigeria’s health sector, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has responded to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request concerning the disbursement of ₦32.9 billion under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

The response, posted today, addresses concerns raised by the civic organization Tracka, which had sought detailed financial data following the government’s public announcement of the fund release.

The announcement, dubbed "The Red Letter," was initially made on October 22, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Health, calling on Nigerians to take ownership of the nation’s health system.

The ₦32.9 billion, disbursed directly to primary health care facilities across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs), forms a critical part of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s health reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The funds are intended to strengthen clinics, improve services, and save lives, with an estimated ₦50.6 million allocated per LGA or ₦4.9 million per facility.

In his X post, Minister Pate acknowledged receipt of Tracka’s FOI request, submitted on October 23, stating that it was acted upon immediately by relevant ministry officers. He assured the public that a full breakdown of the fund distribution would be provided by the BHCPF Secretariat, following the ministry’s own disclosure after the 12th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting on October 22.

"Before impulsively rushing to judge the quantum and distribution, take time to understand first and see the facts when shared with you by the Secretariat," Pate urged, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.

The response comes amid growing calls from civil society and citizens for detailed accountability. Tracka, in its initial post, highlighted the speculative nature of the per-LGA and per-facility figures, demanding concrete data to "follow the money."

The minister’s reply suggests a willingness to engage, though some observers note the lack of an immediate public release of the breakdown, raising questions about the timeline for transparency.

The BHCPF, established under the National Health Act, aims to fund a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS), increase fiscal space for health, and move Nigeria toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Implementation is managed through three gateways: the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and the National Emergency Medical Treatment (NEMT) gateway.

The recent disbursement, part of the third round of funding, builds on previous efforts, with the NPHCDA gateway facilitating decentralized facility financing (DFF) to cover operational costs and essential medicines.

The activation of a Joint Task Force (JTF) with the Integrity Community Partnership (ICP) Nigeria to monitor fund utilization was cited by the ministry as a safeguard, alongside improved data verification systems integrating National Identification Numbers (NINs) into health records.

As Nigeria awaits the detailed financial breakdown, this exchange marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue between the government and civil society on health sector accountability.