FCTA Targets 15% Budget For Health, Moves To Revolutionize Healthcare In Abuja

According to Ireporter Online, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its dedication to improving healthcare delivery across Abuja through strategic reforms and increased investment in the health sector. The administration disclosed that it plans to create dedicated budget lines for essential health programmes, implement the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy, and accelerate the passage of the FCT Health Insurance (FHIS) and Public Health Emergency and Risk Management Agency (PHERMRA) Bills.

In a renewed commitment aligned with the Abuja Declaration, the FCTA also announced its intention to advocate for a minimum of 15 percent budgetary allocation to health, alongside the establishment of an Infectious Disease Hospital and the revitalization of the FCT Molecular Laboratory. These initiatives aim to enhance access to quality healthcare, strengthen system resilience, and position the FCT as a model for effective health management in Nigeria.

These resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after the two-day 2025 Health Sector Joint Annual Review and Performance Dialogue, presided over by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES). The event brought together senior government officials, health experts, civil society leaders, traditional rulers, and development partners to assess the FCT’s progress under the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).

The communiqué, jointly signed by Dr. Ahmadu Abubakar, Acting Director-General of the Hospital Management Board, and Dr. Dan Gadzama, Acting Director of Public Health, reaffirmed the collective commitment to equitable and accessible healthcare for all residents of the FCT. It was also endorsed by representatives of the Ona of Abaji, Dr. Alhaji Baba Adamu Yunusa, who was represented by Wodi Nathaniel, the Sarkin Jinya Abaji.

Participants at the review highlighted improvements in maternal and child health indicators, immunization coverage, HIV reduction, and malaria response, while noting increased health insurance enrolment and the establishment of a Health Workforce Registry. A five-year Human Resource Recruitment Plan (2025–2029) was also developed to address staffing gaps. However, concerns were raised over persistent funding shortfalls, weak infrastructure, poor data systems, and shortages of qualified personnel.

Stakeholders proposed several measures to consolidate progress, including the creation of a dedicated Nutrition Department with an independent budget line to strengthen maternal and child nutrition programmes. They also stressed the need for improved immunization funding, greater community engagement to reach zero-dose children, and enhanced supervision to boost vaccination coverage.

Presentations from the Public Health Department underscored the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and called for stronger collaboration with partners to address limited funding and staff attrition. The dialogue also identified delays in funding and weak infrastructure as major setbacks in combating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.

The FCT Primary Health Care Board recommended upgrading primary health centres and employing more health workers to ensure 24-hour maternal and child healthcare services. Discussions on healthcare financing emphasised the urgent need to pass the pending FHIS Bill to expand access to mandatory health insurance and achieve equitable service delivery.

Human resource experts also called for the creation of a national workforce database and improved incentives to retain skilled professionals. On pandemic preparedness, Dr. Lukman Lawal, the FCT State Epidemiologist, urged stronger disease surveillance, inclusion of private hospitals in the response network, and timely release of operational funds to enhance outbreak management.

At the close of the dialogue, participants unanimously agreed that sustainable progress in the FCT health sector hinges on stronger funding, better inter-agency coordination, reliable data systems, and effective partnerships between public and private stakeholders.