AdvoKC Foundation Calls on National Assembly to Fulfill 15 Percent Health Allocation Commitment in Alignment with Abuja Declaration

Youth-led advocacy body, AdvoKC Foundation, has called on the National Assembly to prioritise the health sector by allocating at least 15percent of the 2025 national budget to health, in alignment with the Abuja Declaration.

The civic tech organization said despite commitment in the Revised Legislative Agenda of the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives to “allocate a higher percentage of the national budget to the health sector, thereby aligning it with the Abuja declaration which recommends that at least 15percent of the national budget be allocated to health,” only 5percent of the 2024 budget was allocated to the health sector, and the proposed 2025 budget reduces this further to a mere 4.81percent (according BudgIT), raising serious concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing critical health challenges.

As the National Assembly prepares to resume, especially the committee on Appropriation and other relevant stakeholders, we call on the legislators to prioritise this crucial sector, which has faced neglect over the years.

“The Abuja declaration was a promise to every Nigerian that their health would be prioritised. Yet, two decades later, we are far from that reality,” said Habib Sheidu, Project Director of AdvoKC Foundation.

“Allocating at least 15 percent of the national budget to health is not just a financial obligation; it is a life-saving necessity.” With only 5 percent of the national budget allocated to health in 2024, Nigeria continues to face alarming health indicators.

In Nigeria, maternal mortality rate stands at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, one of the highest globally. Also, life expectancy is just 55 years, ranking among the lowest in the world.

Additionally, out-of-pocket health expenditures have increased significantly in recent years, accounting for 70% of total healthcare spending, pushing millions into financial hardship.

The chronic underfunding of the health sector hampers Nigeria’s ability to
combat diseases, improve healthcare infrastructure, and provide essential
services, particularly for rural and underserved populations.

“AdvoKC Foundation is urging the National Assembly to fulfil its pledge to improve healthcare by increasing the 2025 health budget allocation to at least 15 percent,” said Abiola Durodola, Executive Director of AdvoKC Foundation.

“This increase would not just align with the Abuja Declaration; it will further reposition our health sector and make Nigeria a leader in health investment across Africa.”

Research shows that countries prioritising health investment see significant improvements in economic growth and social development. Increased funding in Nigeria will improve access to quality healthcare, reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, and strengthen the nation’s capacity to respond to health emergencies.

According to Communications Manager of the foundation, Luqman Adamu: “Investing in health is investing in Nigeria’s future. The National Assembly must act now to fulfil this long-overdue promise”.