Bill Sponsor: Sen. Olamilekan, Adeola Solomon (Ogun West)
Bill Progress: First Reading
The “Primary Health Care Development Agency Act (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2025” (SB. 900) is set to reform Nigeria’s primary healthcare system by replacing the outdated National Primary Health Care Development Agency Act of 1992. This legislative initiative aims to address the longstanding challenges faced by Nigeria’s healthcare system and better align the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) with contemporary health reform efforts.
The rationale behind repealing the existing law is grounded in the systemic failures that have historically hindered the effectiveness of primary healthcare (PHC) services in Nigeria. A notable concern is the fragmentation of PHC services, which has led to inefficiencies and underperformance. The bill seeks to reinforce the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy, implemented in 2011, which aims to unify managerial, planning, and operational functions under a single authority to enhance service delivery.
Despite the establishment of the NPHCDA nearly three decades ago, the primary healthcare system remains vulnerable and under-resourced, often referred to as the “weakest link” in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery framework. Many facilities struggle to provide essential services due to inadequate funding, insufficient staffing, and deteriorating infrastructure. The bill also aims to address issues related to decentralization, where the transfer of PHC services to local government administration has resulted in poorly coordinated and underfunded facilities lacking clear accountability.
One of the key objectives of SB. 900 is to strengthen accountability and transparency within the PHC system. The proposed legislation seeks to institutionalize mechanisms that ensure effective financial resource management, particularly concerning the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
The overarching goal of the bill is to revitalize the primary healthcare system to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and align with the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To accomplish this, several critical areas will be targeted:
- Institutional Reform: Redefining the mandate, structure, and powers of the NPHCDA to increase its effectiveness in the current health context.
- Integration and Management: Legally establishing the “PHC Under One Roof” policy to create a cohesive management framework at both state and local levels, ensuring complete control over healthcare services and resources.
- Improving Quality and Standards: Setting clear and enforceable national minimum standards for public PHC facilities to enhance infrastructure, human resources, essential medicines, and overall service delivery.
- Enhanced Financial Management: Strengthening mechanisms for resource mobilization and financial accountability, especially at the local government level.
- Human Resource Development: Tackling the shortage of skilled healthcare personnel, along with addressing the distribution of health workers to ensure effective service provision.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing a robust legal framework to monitor the implementation of PHC programs and facilitate data-driven decision-making.
In summary, the “Primary Health Care Development Agency Act (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2025” represents a significant legislative effort aimed at overcoming the deep-rooted issues of fragmentation, poor governance, and inadequate service delivery that have historically plagued Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.
