On September 14, 2026, The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, renewed her urgent appeal for enhanced investment in Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure. Delivering her acceptance speech after being honored as the Health Champion 2026. Senator Banigo emphasized that national funding levels still fall significantly short of critical developmental benchmarks.
The prestigious award was presented by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, during the Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC) and Nigeria Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Civil Society Organisations-Media Mid-Year Review in Abuja. The high-level gathering brought together key government officials, development partners, civil society leaders, and media professionals to evaluate ongoing health sector reforms.
A medical doctor representing the Rivers West Senatorial District, Senator Banigo used the platform to highlight the persistent gap in national budgetary allocations for health. She pointed out that Nigeria continues to underperform relative to its commitments under the landmark Abuja Declaration, which mandates African nations to allocate at least 15% of their annual budgets to healthcare.
“We are not up to the 15 per cent declaration, the Abuja Declaration; we are not there yet. Even at six per cent, we are not close to it,” Senator Banigo stated, stressing the urgent necessity of bolstering domestic resource mobilization.
In alignment with her advocacy, Senator Banigo highlighted key legislative measures currently moving through the National Assembly to secure sustainable financing:
National Health Act (Amendment) Bill: Sponsored by Senator Banigo, this bill seeks to double the allocation to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from 1% to 2% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to strengthen primary healthcare delivery.
Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax Bill: Successfully passed by the Senate in June 2026, this legislation replaces flat-rate levies with a dynamic, price-linked percentage levy. Proceeds are earmarked to fund health promotion, preventive medicine, and primary care.
While presenting the award plaque, Minister Muhammad Pate commended Senator Banigo for her profound legislative impact and steadfast dedication to public health advocacy.
Expressing deep gratitude to the organizers, civil society groups, and media partners, Senator Banigo noted that the recognition serves as a powerful catalyst for her ongoing legislative mission. She reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to driving progressive policies that guarantee accessible, high-quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
