Nigeria’s parliament has approved an additional $200 million for the health sector in its 2025 budget to make up for the suspension of US aid under the Trump administration.
The US, which provided Nigeria with over $600 million in health aid in 2023, recently froze USAID funds for 90 days. The move has raised concerns about possible cuts to critical health programs, particularly those focused on disease control.
At a budget hearing on Thursday, Senate Appropriations Chair Senator Adeola Olamilekan warned that the reduction in US foreign aid could have serious consequences, particularly for Nigeria’s efforts to combat infectious diseases. The newly approved funds, part of the country’s $36.6 billion federal budget, are intended to plug the fiscal gap left by the US funding freeze.
Support for Vaccines and Epidemic Control
A significant portion of the allocated funds will be used to provide vaccines and treatment for epidemics. Past U.S. government contributions have played an important role in Nigeria’s health sector by supporting efforts to combat malaria, HIV, and other infectious diseases.
Beyond health services, the suspension of U.S. assistance could also impact humanitarian efforts in Nigeria’s conflict-stricken northeast, where a militant insurgency has displaced millions of people since 2009. USAID has previously worked with the UN migration agency to provide emergency assistance, including shelter, sanitation, and protection services in affected areas.
The Nigerian government’s move to increase health sector financing underscores its commitment to continuing vital public health programs despite uncertainties in foreign aid.