The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced that it has enlisted the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to monitor, track, and ensure transparency in the utilisation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) across Nigeria a move aimed at curbing corruption and strengthening accountability in the nation’s healthcare system.
According to a statement released on Monday in Abuja, the collaboration between the Health Ministry and the ICPC is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that every kobo allocated under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund is used for its intended purpose to deliver quality and affordable primary healthcare services to Nigerians, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the partnership underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and good governance in the health sector. “The Federal Government is determined to ensure that public resources meant for healthcare reach the people. The engagement of the ICPC will help strengthen financial integrity and oversight in the disbursement and utilisation of the BHCPF,” he stated.
The BHCPF, established under the National Health Act 2014, is designed to provide a sustainable framework for financing primary healthcare services in Nigeria. It allocates at least one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to improve access to essential health services, drugs, and equipment.
Professor Pate noted that over the years, challenges such as mismanagement, delayed disbursement, and poor accountability have hindered the full impact of the fund. He emphasized that this renewed monitoring initiative would ensure efficiency and restore public confidence in the system.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, confirmed the Commission’s readiness to deploy investigative and audit mechanisms to track expenditures at all levels from federal allocations to state and local government implementations. “Our officers will follow the money. Every project, every facility, and every expenditure under this fund will be monitored. This partnership marks a new chapter in fighting corruption in the healthcare delivery system,” he said.
Civil society organisations and public health experts have applauded the decision, describing it as a welcome development in the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s healthcare financing structure. The Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON) called the collaboration “a proactive step that will deter diversion and misuse of critical health funds.”
Analysts, however, caution that the success of the initiative will depend on transparency, data sharing, and cooperation between federal and state agencies. They stress that real-time tracking systems, public dashboards, and open reporting mechanisms will be key to ensuring that citizens can hold public officials accountable.
With the renewed oversight from the ICPC, the Federal Ministry of Health aims to ensure that more Nigerians benefit from accessible and quality primary healthcare services, particularly through improved funding for health facilities, maternal and child care, and essential drugs.
The partnership between the Ministry of Health and the ICPC represents a strong statement of intent by the Federal Government to strengthen governance in public health financing. If effectively implemented, it could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s effort to build a transparent, efficient, and accountable healthcare system for all.
