The Joint Committee on Health of the National Assembly has formally called upon the Appropriations Committee to prioritize the inclusion of take-off grants in the 2026 fiscal budget. The request aims to provide essential start-up funding for newly established federal teaching hospitals to ensure they can begin full operations without delay.
Senator Ipalibo Banigo, Chairperson of the Committee, presented the harmonized report from both the Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday. She emphasized that these grants are vital for stabilizing new institutions and addressing urgent operational requirements during their foundational stages.
The proposal specifically targets several key institutions currently awaiting the resources necessary to serve their communities:
- Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia (Nasarawa State)
- Federal University Teaching Hospital, Akure (Ondo State)
- Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo (Benue State)
- Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ila-Orangun (Osun State)
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has proposed a total allocation of N2,136,248,295,543 for 2026. This budget is strategically distributed to ensure both institutional stability and growth:
- Personnel Costs: N1,170,495,177,648
- Capital Expenditure: N924,251,647,868
- Overhead Costs: N57,031,955,090
The Federal Government is currently targeting an allocation of six percent of the total national budget (net of liabilities) for the health sector. This move is part of a broader vision to ensure every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare facilities.
During the budget defense sessions, the Committee highlighted significant concerns regarding the 2024 and 2025 budget cycles. Senator Banigo noted that many hospitals are still facing delayed disbursements, with some institutions having received as little as 30% to 40% of their allocated funds.
In response to the presentation, Senator Tahir Monguno, Deputy Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, assured the health panel that these funding gaps and the necessity for take-off grants would be carefully reviewed to ensure the 2026 budget meets the country’s urgent healthcare needs.
