Health
MonITNG advocate inclusion, community-based oversight to monitor BHCPF-funded projects
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
10 Nov 2025 06:27 AM
Abuja – In a bold move to transform Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has issued a resounding call to action titled "The Red Letter: A Call to Every Nigerian to Protect the Health of Our Nation."
The initiative, spearheaded by Coordinating Minister Muhammad Ali Pate, aims to rally citizens and stakeholders in a collective effort to ensure the effective utilization of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) 2.0.
The announcement, highlights significant reforms under the BHCPF, a fund established under the National Health Act to provide a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS).
With a commitment of at least 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, supplemented by international donor grants and private sector contributions, the fund seeks to strengthen primary healthcare across Nigeria’s 17,600 targeted facilities by 2027.
To date, over 8,309 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have already benefited from this initiative.
Key reforms include the onboarding of State Oversight Committees and the deployment of digital tools to enhance transparency and track disbursements.
The ministry has also partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to combat fund mismanagement, a persistent challenge in the sector.
Minister Pate’s directive for full disclosure of disbursement data marks a significant step toward accountability, with financial details set to be published in national dailies and on ministry websites.
However, the call to action goes beyond government efforts, urging every Nigerian to participate.
Civic organization MonITNG, in a follow-up statement on X, commended the minister’s leadership but emphasized the need for broader collaboration.
The organization has called for the inclusion of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in monitoring BHCPF-funded projects, arguing that community-based oversight is essential to ensure funds translate into tangible improvements such as better equipment, safer facilities, and quality care.
“CSOs play a vital role in community engagement and public accountability,” MonITNG stated, proposing that providing CSOs with detailed project data amounts disbursed, benefiting facilities, timelines, and implementing agencies would empower citizens to validate outcomes.
This inclusive approach, they argue, would deter corruption, bridge the information gap, and reinforce public trust in the health system.
The Red Letter also invites Nigerians to join the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s committee to share their concerns and contribute to the initiative.
As the nation moves toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the ministry’s vision of a transparent, inclusive, and people-centered health system hinges on this collective effort.
The initiative, spearheaded by Coordinating Minister Muhammad Ali Pate, aims to rally citizens and stakeholders in a collective effort to ensure the effective utilization of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) 2.0.
The announcement, highlights significant reforms under the BHCPF, a fund established under the National Health Act to provide a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS).
With a commitment of at least 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, supplemented by international donor grants and private sector contributions, the fund seeks to strengthen primary healthcare across Nigeria’s 17,600 targeted facilities by 2027.
To date, over 8,309 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have already benefited from this initiative.
Key reforms include the onboarding of State Oversight Committees and the deployment of digital tools to enhance transparency and track disbursements.
The ministry has also partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to combat fund mismanagement, a persistent challenge in the sector.
Minister Pate’s directive for full disclosure of disbursement data marks a significant step toward accountability, with financial details set to be published in national dailies and on ministry websites.
However, the call to action goes beyond government efforts, urging every Nigerian to participate.
Civic organization MonITNG, in a follow-up statement on X, commended the minister’s leadership but emphasized the need for broader collaboration.
The organization has called for the inclusion of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in monitoring BHCPF-funded projects, arguing that community-based oversight is essential to ensure funds translate into tangible improvements such as better equipment, safer facilities, and quality care.
“CSOs play a vital role in community engagement and public accountability,” MonITNG stated, proposing that providing CSOs with detailed project data amounts disbursed, benefiting facilities, timelines, and implementing agencies would empower citizens to validate outcomes.
This inclusive approach, they argue, would deter corruption, bridge the information gap, and reinforce public trust in the health system.
The Red Letter also invites Nigerians to join the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s committee to share their concerns and contribute to the initiative.
As the nation moves toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the ministry’s vision of a transparent, inclusive, and people-centered health system hinges on this collective effort.
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