By Muhammad Amaan
The Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) has called on the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to build on previous efforts on the Bank of Health, a bill advocated by the AHBN during the 9th House of Representatives.
In a statement issued Saturday, Coordinator of AHBN, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, said during the 9th Assembly, Hon. Mansur Manu representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State co-sponsored the bill alongside a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who is now the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said AHBN had supported the bill with strong advocacy, and critical review of the bill including submitting a memo to the National Assembly.
The then President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Professor Innocent Ujah, also supported the bill with a strong advocacy to the relevant stakeholders.
Health Reporters Newspaper reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, had on Wednesday announced that he will raise a memo to President Bola Tinubu for the establishment of a Bank of Health to support Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Senator Akume made this know while speaking at the 20th anniversary of Everbright Diagnostic Laboratory Services and the launch of a book titled “Employee Retention and Turnover in Nigeria.”
He said the proposal, which was raised by the chairman of Everbright Diagnostics, was a good suggestion and deserved the attention of the Federal Government.
“The chairman has called for the establishment of a bank. I think it is a very good suggestion. I assure you I am going to make a memo to that effect to Mr President,” Akume said.
The SGF added that the Tinubu administration remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s health system through policies that promote local capacity, expand access to quality care, and support institutions contributing to national development.
He said, “This address will not be complete if I do not reaffirm that under President Tinubu’s administration, there is a deep commitment to building a healthier, safer, and more prosperous Nigeria. Through policies that encourage value creation, job expansion, institutional reform, and stronger health systems, the federal government will continue to support champion institutions like Everbright Diagnostics and strengthen our national capacity.”
Akume also highlighted the role played by Everbright during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the laboratory provided critical testing services that supported Nigeria’s response to the health crisis.
Nigeria’s healthcare sector faces persistent challenges, including underfunded hospitals, high-interest loans for medical providers, inadequate health infrastructure, and a significant brain drain of doctors, nurses, and specialists seeking better opportunities abroad.
While institutions like the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture provide sector-specific financing, the health sector currently lacks a dedicated financial institution to support long-term investment and growth.
