US Grants $2bn to Boost Nigeria’s Health Sector from 2026 to 2030

The United States government has pledged nearly $2 billion in grant funding to support Nigeria’s health sector over a five-year period from 2026 to 2030, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system, improving disease control, and enhancing health security.

The commitment was formalised through a technical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between officials of both countries in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in long-standing US-Nigeria health cooperation. The agreement forms part of a broader health partnership estimated at about $5 billion, combining US grants with Nigeria’s domestic funding commitments. According to officials, the funding will focus on strengthening primary healthcare services, improving disease surveillance and outbreak response, upgrading laboratory and biosafety systems, and supporting healthcare workers, data systems, and essential medical supplies across the country. The initiative is also expected to bolster Nigeria’s preparedness for public health emergencies and emerging disease threats. In line with the agreement, the Nigerian government has committed to increasing domestic health financing, including allocating at least six per cent of executed annual federal and state budgets to health over the same period. Authorities say this could mobilise close to $3 billion in local funding, reinforcing efforts to reduce dependence on external aid in the long term. Officials on both sides said the partnership aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing health reforms, including the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which prioritises stronger primary healthcare, workforce development, and sustainable financing. The US government described the deal as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s health security and system resilience, while Nigerian authorities said it would help address longstanding funding gaps and infrastructure challenges. The new pledge comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s health sector, which has faced pressure from population growth, disease burden, and fluctuating foreign assistance. Analysts say the multi-year nature of the funding provides predictability and could significantly improve planning and implementation of health programmes nationwide. With implementation expected to begin in 2026, stakeholders believe the agreement will not only expand access to quality healthcare for millions of Nigerians but also lay the foundation for a more resilient and self-sustaining health system by the end of the decade.